Washington 22d May 1848
MY DEAR JAMES, I am
happy to have your approval of my remarks in reference to the French
Revolution. I see they have attracted much attention in England, and drawn
forth high compliments. I regard the failure of the Chartists in England as you
do. It was the turning point of affairs in Europe. Had they succeeded, it would
been long—very long, before order and authority would be restored in Europe;
but as it is, the revolutionary movements have gone, probably as far as it is
destined to go, at least for the present. . .
As to politicks,
every thing still remains in a state of uncertainty. Although the Baltimore
Convention is now in Session, no one pretends to form an opinion, as to who
will be the nominee. Report from Baltimore just received, says that Cass and
Buchanan will unite their forces, each being agreed to rally on the other, if
the strongest. If such should be the case, the former will probably be
nominated; but I put little faith in the union. I have no confidence in either.
It is now more
doubtful than it has been, whether the Government of Mexico will ratify the
treaty. The prospect would seem to be against it. Should it not be ratified,
there will be a great effort made to take the Whole, but, I trust I shall be
able to defeat it, by taking my stand on a defensive line that of the treaty.
The Yucatan question
is dropt for the present. Whether it will be revived will depend on
circumstances. My speech against it appeared in the Inteligencer this morning.
I will send you a copy, as soon as I can get some extra copies of the paper. It
is thought it made a strong impression, and contributed principally to the
dropping of the question for the present.
It was one of the
wildest and most absurd measures ever proposed by the Executive. Congress will
not adjourn probably before August.
My health continues
good. I am sorry to learn by your sister's letter to me that yours was delicate
when you were at Fort Hill. I hope it is better.
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. 755-6
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