Senator John C. Calhoun to James H. Hammond,* January 4, 1850

Washington 4th Jan 1850

MY DEAR SIR, I have delayed answering your last letter until I could write more certainly in reference to the subject to which it relates.

As far as I can judge from indications, I cannot doubt, but that the Convention at Nashville will be well attended. The members from Virginia speak with confidence, that delegates will be appointed by their State. The subject is now before a committee and publick sentiment, in the state and legislature, is said to be strongly in its favour. The legislature of N. Carolina does not meet this winter; but the best informed of her members speaks with confidence, that the state is roused, and that, at least, there will be a partial representation from the state. You can better judge what Georgia will do, than I can. The Alabama members say with confidence their state will appoint, and the Florida that theirs will. So say the Arkansas delegation; and Mr. Turney, Senator from Tennessee, who has just left me, feels confident, that Tennessee will. I have but little information as to what Missouri, Kentucky and Louisana will do; but if the others should act, it is not improbable they will. Even Maryland begins to wake up. Her Governor has come out on the Southern side and I have little doubt the State will, from what I hear. Everything that can be done will be done here to ensure a full attendance. There is already much excitement here and it will go on increasing. The debate on the question at issue between the South and North will commence early and be warm. It is becoming a common opinion, that there is little chance of saving the Union. The subject is freely talked about and discussed in private circles. It is also becoming a prevalent opinion, that the South ought not to remain in the Union, without a complete restoration of all her rights, a full recognition of our equality [in] every respect, and ample security for the future. The contest will not be limited to the territorial aspect of the question between us and them. Every question will be put in issue, and the question of the Union be freely discussed.

It is contemplated, at the proper time, if it should be thought to be necessary, to call on the South to appoint delegates, so as to be fully represented. Georgia is an important state. You can do much there, and I hope you will exert yourself, if it should be necessary, to induce her to be represented at Nashville.

As to myself, I lose no opportunity, where I can act with propriety, to give the great cause an impulse. I want no reward, no prominence, or even distinction. If the thing is done, I am satisfied, let it be done by whom it may. I have made it a point to throw off no one. Let us be one, is my advice to all parties at the South. You must not think of retiring. The time for action has come. If the South is to be saved now is the time.

The great, pressing, practical question of the session will be on the admission of California. I regard it as worse than the Wilmot Proviso. What the latter proposes to do openly the former is intended to do covertly and fraudulently. It adds insult to injury. The debate on it will be violent and denuncia[to]ry. We may be voted down, but it will not be done without adding fuel to the flame.

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* Original lent by Mr. E. S. Hammond.

SOURCE: J. Franklin Jameson, Editor, Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1899, Volume II, Calhoun’s Correspondence: Fourth Annual Report of the Historical Manuscripts Commission, Correspondence of John C. Calhoun, p. 778-80