(Confidential.)
WHEELING, [VA.], 15th March, 1856.
MY DEAR SIR: I arrived here on Thursday morning on my way
home, but resolved to spend a few days in ascertaining how events were
progressing. I have seen nearly all the leading men (except Judge Thompson, who
is out of town, and Clemens who has not yet reached home.) there seems now no
decided preferences. The impression has prevailed that Buchanan was the
strongest man, that is could carry more northern states, than any other, and
hence a leaning to him, I have had repeated conversations with Chas and Jno
Rupely. The latter the Argus Editor, the former whilst he expresses a personal
preference for you he thinks that should the North desire Buchanan they should
have him, as a means of securing northern support in the coming contest after
that, then you would be his choice. I am satisfied there is no moving him from
this view at present, evidences of B[uchana]n weakness at the North or
discensions in Pennsylvania would do it effectually. The importance of securing
C[harles] R[upely's] cooperation is increased by the probability of his being
one of the delegates to the Cincinnatti Convention. The contest will be between
him and Koonts a decided Buchanan man with whom I had a long conversation on
the subject this afternoon. I have in a quiet way done all I could to aid in
Rupely's election. I talked matters over with Jno. Rupely the Editor. I sent
you an Argus to day, The Editorial of which gives you the result. I also wrote
the President, for Rupely remonstrating against the withdrawal, of some public
printing from the Argus to give it to the Winchester V[irgini]a[n] as it is
rumoured here it was designed to do. Should it be done, then Buchanan's
interest will be greatly strengthened here. Clements whilst popular has no
transferrable strength. Thompson is on the bench and takes no part. The
Mountain Counties send a delegate it is supposed, Mr. Neeson of Fairmont, an
intimate friend of Kidwells but who has been recently appointed by Mr. Wise, a
visitor to the University ! ! ! It is almost quite certain he will go, so
Kidwell, rather uncertain, he is all right. It is said Kidwell can control the
appointment of the delegates of the mountain counties. I think on the whole,
things look favourable here but decided changes can be effected by industry,
attend to sending documents, here some good ones to Chas. Kidwell and Jno.
Rupely, Editor of the Argus also Koonts, Loving, Clark of Circuit Court. Get a
list from Kidwell, You have no idea I am satisfied of the good that can be
effected in this way. You neglect it. The Editorial in the Argus I sent you,
was intended to recall the public mind to the old issues, and at the same time,
to prevent the withdrawal of the printing from that paper. I send you a copy of
a letter received by Rupely some time since, it explains itself. Should Bright
get wind of such a movement I need not tell you what the consequences would be;
It was given me for your ear, but to be used confidentially. Take care, the
same proposition may not be now in progress of arrangement, between Mr Wise's
friends and Schell's to be brought forward at the Eleventh hour. Beware of the
New Yorkers' they are dangerous. I shall perhaps stop a day at Columbus, and
will communicate anything I may learn of interest. They say here that John
Martin, has no considerable influence, although exerting what he has for Wise
& Co. Taylor County in my Electoral District is in Kidwells Congressional
District, you had better see K[idwell] and ask him to interest himself in
inducing a delegation to our Distirct Convention, favourable to me or have me
appointed alternate. I think it is Taylor County. He can see by looking at the
Counties. Has Edmondstone attended to Nicholas County? Depend upon it if you
lose Virginia, it will be the cause of the supineness of your friends.
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), p. 180-1
