WINCHESTER, [Va.], December 24, 1851.
MY DEAR SIR: I thank you for putting Mr. Guyer in the trail of the facts
I enquired for.
Have you spoken to Foote's Resolution? And what position have you taken?
I presume the same with Mason.
I hope your election is safe. Is there any danger of Bayly, or of Wise?
Which have you any reason to look to as an opponent?
One of my delegates said to me to-day he would like to have my advice
before going to Richmond. I of course told him I would like to confer with, not
to dictate to, him. I think in this section we will have things all right for
you. I heard favorable news from our Senator who has been somewhat doubtful
to-day through his brother, who said, if he did not go for you, he ought to be
turned out. He said he did not think he would fail you, that he was certain you
were his choice unless Bayly were preferred by him. I shall write to him and
set matters right as to him. In Jefferson I learn all is well. In Hampshire I
know it is. Here in Clark, Warren and Page I am quite confident.
I wish you a Merry Christmas. We hear flying rumours of the Capitol
Conflagration. Do you go home at Xmas? If not why not come here for a day?
I was glad to see your movement about the message. Your position is
favorable and a good move on the Free trade pound would strengthen you
immensely in a party point of view.
