WASHINGTON, D. C., July 25, 1857.
DEAR SIR: Having a
few moments leisure, I have concluded to address you on the subject of the
Senatorial election next winter. Not having the least doubt of your
re-election, it has created surprise in my mind to hear some of the friends of
Gov. Wise express themselves in the most sanguine terms as to the probability
of his succeeding you. Gov. Wise and Mr. Faulkner seem to be on very friendly
terms just now. It is said Mr. F[aulkner] is to help Wise to the Senate, while
Gov. W[ise] is to use all his influence to secure Mr. F[aulkner]'s nomination for
governor, and at the expiration of Mr. F[aulkner]'s gubernatorial term he
expects to succeed your colleague in the Senate. It is well to be on your guard
against the movements of these aspiring gentlemen.
Walker's course in
Kansas has caused the administration much trouble. The cabinet, I have reason
to believe are divided on the subject, and that the position of Georgia has
rather weakened Mr. Cobb's influence.
Forney is causing
much uneasiness. It is whispered that Cobb is concerned in the movement, and that
the new paper will support him for the nomination next time. I
know that the conductors of the "Union," are very jealous of the
movement, and are of the above opinion.
The feud in Indiana
between the friends of Gov. Bright and Gov. Wright has not been quieted by the
appointment of Gov. W[right]1 and will brake out again at no early
day.
There is no friendly
feeling existing between Messrs. Bright and Douglas. Mr. D[ouglas] blames Gov.
B[right] for the way in which the Indiana delegation voted at Cincinnati.
There is some talk
of De Witt purchasing the interest of R. M. Smith in the Virginia Sentinel. I
expect Gov. Smith will not favor the plan. Some of Gov. S[mith]'s constituents
are blaming him for recommending a fellow named Wileman Thomas, from his district, for
a high position here. Thomas is a notorious scoundrel, bankrupt in politics,
morals, and purse. He was a know nothing, attended the Winchester convention,
but was denied admittance, because he was self appointed. He procured the
recommendation of several respectable gentlemen, and then obtained the
endorsement of Gov. Wise to the genuineness of their democracy. I mention this
matter for fear he may annoy you with his importunities. I should not be
surprised if he received an appointment, as he voted for Mr. Buchanan, which
absolves a man from all sins against the democratic party.
1 Joseph Albert Wright, governor of Indiana,
1849-1857; a Representative in Congress, 1843-1845; Senator, 1862-1863;
Minister to Prussia, 1857-1861, also 1865-1867.
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), pp. 213-4
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