Washington, August
10, 1850.
MY DEAR SIR,—So many
things have occupied my attention of late, that I have neglected those I love
most, and am most indebted to. I have no other apology for suffering your
letter to remain so long unanswered.
The cabinet is not
yet full, but will be if Mr. McClelland accepts the Department of the Interior.
They are all sound men, of fair and upright character, sober minds, and
national views. The President himself is a man of sagacity, entire fairness,
and a good deal of vigor.
There is yet to be a
warm contest in the House of Representatives, extremes coöperating as usual.
The southern gentlemen, in number about forty, had a meeting last night. They
resolved to resist, and try to amend the bill for the settlement of the Texan
boundary, but not to make any factious opposition, by calling ayes and noes,
&c. It is probable the bill will pass the House, as it went from the
Senate.
It is hoped the California
bill will get through the Senate on Monday.
All Southern men of
intelligence and fairness, admire your pamphlet, and they intend, in a quiet
way, to give it extensive circulation. The most learned and respectable
clergymen this way, all say the scriptural argument is unanswerable. Badger,
who is learned and discerning in such things, particularly admires it. I shall
join very cordially in an attempt to spread its influence and usefulness. No
matter who, or how many attack you. If they will only quote you fairly, you
have nothing to fear. But some periodicals, calling themselves religious, have
an abominable habit of misrepresenting an adversary's statements and arguments.
I am rather ashamed
of my change of position.1 I fear I've come from home; but here I
am, and shall do as well as I can. I have great occasion to be thankful for
excellent health. Yours, with affectionate regard,
1 Leaving the Senate for the [State] Department.
SOURCE: Fletcher
Webster, Editor, The Private Correspondence of Daniel Webster, Vol.
2, p. 383-4
