Washington 12th Jan 1850
MY DEAR ANDREW, . . . The issue between the South and the North is the all absorbing subject here, although one would not think so who would judge from the party Organs here. They keep silent in the hope of giving such prominence to mere party issues, as to divert the publick mind from the higher questions and issues. They see in the latter a power sufficient to brake up the old party organization, and with it, the spoils system. The Southern members are more determined and bold than I ever saw them. Many avow themselves to be disunionists, and a still greater number admit, that there is little hope of any remedy short of it. In the mean time the North show no disposition to desist from aggression. They now begin to claim the right to abolish slavery in all the old States, that is those who were original members, when the Constitution was adopted. The Session will be stormy, but I hope, before it ends, a final and decisive issue will be made up with the North. There is no time to loose.
Give my love to Margeret and all the children. Kiss them for their grandfather.
