WASHINGTON, [.D. C.], September 14, 1857.
DEAR HUNTER: I have been here for the last week with but little to do
except to pick up what political news I could find and I proceed to give you
the result of my observations.
A few days since I learn that the President in a conversation with Gov.
Smith remarked that he supposed he should have to regard you as identified with
the opposition to his administration. Smith replied that you were cautious
prudent and sagacious and not likely to take any step without due
consideration.
The efforts of the Enquirer to force from you an exposition of your views
on Walker's Kansas policy occasion much talk here. Mr. Forney is the only high
official with whom I have had any conversation on the subject. He says you
should not notice the matter at all. That should a proper occasion arise during
the approaching session "he doubts not you will define your position and
that it will be found right as it has always been." Forney and Thompson
are your only reliable friends in this concern.
Your friend Col. Phillips is to be removed from the 6th Aud[ito]r['s]
office and Dr. Tate of our state senate to be appointed in his place. The
object is to remove Tate (who is your friend) from the Senate, and put Floyd's
brother in his place. From all I can learn there is a regularly organized
combination between Wise, Floyd, and Faulkner the object of which is to put
Wise in your place make Faulkner Governor and bring in Floyd to succeed Mason.
What a beautiful scheme!!! and to cap the climax old Buck [Buchanan] is made to
play second fiddle to this immaculate trio. Hence the efforts of Wise through
the Enquirer to identify you with the opposition to the Adm[inistratio]n. At
every corner I am accosted with the enquiry what is to be the result of the
conflict between Wise and Hunter in Virginia? My reply is there can be no
conflict. The people of Virginia never change their public servants without
cause. Mr. Hunter has served them faithfully, they are satisfied with his
course, and desire no change. Wise's particular friends approach me with
hypocritical cant professing to deplore the schism between Wise and Hunter. I
ask them for the evidence of such schism they point to the opposition of some
of Hunters friends to Wises oyster fundum and other crude and ridiculous
absurdities. I reply that Mr. Hunter's friends are free and independent
citizens who think for themselves, and that neither he nor any one else can
properly be held responsible for their opinions and actions. That he should be
judged alone by his own sayings and doings.
I give you these sketches that you may see how the Wise workers here and
in Virginia would manage things if they could. But they are powerless. From
reliable information from all sections of the state I am happy to learn that
you were never so strong in the confidence of the people as now. I have seen
Powell who tells me they can't get up a demonstration against you. That all
these efforts of your enemies but kill their authors while they add to your
strength. Bocock was here a few days since and declared publicly that they
could not muster an omnibus load of Democrats in the Legislature who would go
against your selection. Both of these gentlemen spoke from personal knowledge
of the views and intentions of the members elect. I met with Daniel on Friday
last and had a long conversation with him, he confirms the statements of Bocock
and Powell and from all I can learn you have but to speak the word and Buchanan
and all his friends are as dead as Chelsea in Virginia. I have been unusually
cautious and prudent, said nothing but endeavored to learn all I could.
Cobb is laying his plans for the succession. Forney has commenced the
movement by a complimentary republication of one of Cobbs speeches during the
late canvass. This is to be followed up from time to time by similar
compliments from others of the Northern Press, and thus clothe him with the
habiliments of National democracy par excellence.
Thus placed before the country as a Southern man with the greatest Northern
popularity he hopes to secure the nomination. The removal from and appointments
to office in his department it is thought will be made with exclusive reference
to this object. Will the South be duped and gulp the bait? How will Wise relish
this scheme which so effectively dash all his bright visions to the ground.
Douglas too will be apt to rebel, rely upon it we shall have rare times here
next winter and I sincerely trust that the old adage "When rogues fall out
honest men get their dues" will be verified. But I will not bore you with
speculations. I have hastily sketched what I have learned and leave you to make
your own reflections.
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. 225-7
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