Washington 1st April 1848
MY DEAR SIR, I am
very happy to learn by your's and Anna's letters by the Caledonia, that you
were all well, and that Belgium was so quiet, and disposed to pursue, what
appears to me at this distance, so wise a course; to maintain her institutions
and nationality and to prepare to defend them. I hope there will be the same
good sense on the part of other European powers. Thus far the revolution in
France exhibits to the inexperienced eye a fair prospect; but I see much to
excite in me deep distrust as to the result. Indeed, I have no hope, that she
will ever be able to establish any government deserving to be called a republick.
She has on this side of the Atlantick much sympathy but little confidence among
the thinking. The subject of tendering our congratulations was brought up in
the Senate yesterday, on resolutions offered by Mr Allen. A short running
debate took place in which I took part. I send the sheet containing it, which
will give the views presented by myself and others.1 There is a
decided majority in the Senate against hasty action, or expression of opinion.
The Senate will wait the action of the National Convention. I enclose also my
remarks on the 10 Regiment Bill.2 They are badly reported and
printed, but will give a correct conception of the grounds on which I placed my
objections to the bill.
I also enclose a
letter from her Mother to Anna, and two letters received under cover for you.
Since I wrote you by
the last Steamer we have had no political occurrence worthy of note. The
prospects of a peace with Mexico still continues good, and the uncertainty, in
reference to the Presidential election is still as great as ever.
My love to Anna and
the children.
1 Works, IV, 450-453.
2 Ibid.,425-449.
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. 747-8
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