Diary of Edward Bates, April 28, 1859

I have just recd, a late number of the "Constitution" (the Washington Union, with a new name³⁵ and a new Editor³⁶ — the old having sunk into imbecility and odium) in which I find that I and my N. York letter are honored with a long Editorial leader,³⁷ particularly dull and inconclusive.

The Nat:[ional] Intel[ligence]r of Apl. 23d., by way of offset, gives a letter of Gov: Wise³⁸ to a friend³⁹ in Alabama, which it says, is far more sweeping than my letter is, in its denunciations of the Administration.

And truly Mr. Wise's letter is far more general and bitter in its condemnation than any writing that I have seen, since Buchanan's accession — I preserve the paper for future use.

I do not see how to reconcile that letter of Mr. Wise with his recent letter⁴⁰ pledging his support to Mr. Letcher,⁴¹ for Govr. of Va. on condition that he supports the Administration [.]

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³⁵ The Constitution, first issued April 13, 1859; it had previously been called the Union.

³⁶ George W. Bowman.

³⁷ April 19, 1859.

³⁸ Henry A. Wise of Virginia: Democratic congressman, 1833-1844; governor, 1856-1860; opponent of secession until it became inevitable; brigadier-general in the Confederate Army.

³⁹ David Hubbard of Alabama: states' rights Democratic congressman, 1839-1841 and 1849-1851; Confederate congressman, 1861-1863.

⁴⁰ Henry A. Wise to a Democratic elector for one of the Senatorial districts of the State, March 21, 1859, Daily National Intelligencer, April 15, 1859.

⁴¹ John Letcher of Virginia: Democratic congressman, 1851-1859; governor, 1860-1864; a leader in the Washington Peace Convention of 1861; opponent of secession until it came.

SOURCE: Howard K. Beale, Editor, Annual Report of The American Historical Association For The Year 1930, Vol. 4, The Diary Of Edward Bates, pp. 12-13