LLOYDS, ESSEX Co.
[VA.], December 2nd, 1852.
MY DEAR SIR: I
received your letter after it had performed its circumnavigation through
various post offices of Virginia and write to thank you for it. I only wish
that I could give you more than my speculations upon the interesting subjects
to which your letter alludes. I know nothing with certainty as to the future
course of the President elect. I guess that his feelings are all on the side of
State rights, perhaps not so much so as that of state remedies. I also believe
that his natural inclinations are towards economy and simplicity, but whether
his grasp will be comprehensive enough for the party and the people whom he is
called to lead I know not. I most earnestly wish that he may prove equal to the
place. Much will depend upon his cabinet. In regard to which I will say at once
that I do not look to a place in it. I have no reason to suppose that one would
be offered me and if it were I would much prefer my place in the Senate. I say
this in confidence because it is a subject on which I could not speak except to
a friend. I should think that he would hardly commit such an impudence (to say
the least of it) as to take up Cobb, in preference to such a man as yourself
for example or those State rights men who really fought this battle for him. I
have no right to suppose that he will consult me but should he do so I would
give him my opinion pretty frankly as to the claims of the States rights men of
the South. They constitute I presume a large majority of the Democratic party
South and should Pierce begin by throwing them off it would be a sorry
commencement of his administration. I should not be surprised if he threw his
patronage to some extent amongst those Union men for the purpose of harmonizing
his supporters but he would hardly venture to take up Cobb to the disparagement
of the real and efficient leaders of the Democratic party South.
What he will do I
know not. But surely he will consult the wishes of the Democratic party in the
South of which the major element is undoubtedly composed of State Rights men.
When I get to Washington I shall be able to form a better estimate of the
probable course of events and will endeavor to keep you advised should you
desire it. I must say however that I think there are breakers ahead
SOURCE: Charles
Henry Ambler, Editor, Annual Report of the American Historical
Association for the Year 1916, in Two Volumes, Vol. II, Correspondence of
Robert M. T. Hunter (1826-1876), p. 153-4
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