Washington 13th April 1848.
MY DEAR SIR, I was
disappointed in not receiving any letter by the Hibernia from Brussels.
Since I wrote you by
the preceeding Steamer, nothing material has occurred on this side of the
Atlantick. The prospect of peace with Mexico has not changed, and the
presidential question continues as doubtful as it was.
Our attention now is
turned from ourselves to your side of the Ocean. We are all gazing with intense
interest on the mighty scenes, which are exhibiting there, and wondering where
they will terminate. Germany seems to be in a fair way to be completely
revolutionised, and I hope permanently improved. I have much more hope for her,
than France. Her old institutions, as I suppose we may call them now, furnish
an excellent foundation, on which to errect, if not a federal Republick like ours,
a federal constitutional Government, United at least in a Zollverein league,
and something more intimately united politically, than at present. If the States
of Germany should not attempt too much, the events, which have occurred may do
much to strengthen them and better their condition. With these impressions, I
shall look with anxiety to the proceedings of the Diet, which was to meet on
the 2d of April.
I am glad to see
Belgium acting so wisely. Thus far the course of events there indicate much
moderation and wisdom, as they appear to me, looking on at this distance.
I fear the prospect
for France is not so good. I look more to the reaction from Germany to save
her, than any other cause. If the latter should take a firm stand to preserve
its nationality, to adopt wise constitutional reforms, and to form a more
intimate commercial and political Union, it could no-but have a powerful and
salutary reaction on France, and might lead to some stable constitutional form
of Government with her. Otherwise, I see little hope of such a result.
You must regard all
this, as little more than the expression of hopes.
I received by the
last mail the enclosed from your overseer, which although addressed to me on
the outside, is addressed to you within.
I hope you all
continue well. My health still continues good, although subject to colds, and
never entirely free from a cough.
I hope,
notwithstanding the state of things in Europe, you will be able with your
family to make us a visit in the summer or fall.
My love to Anna and
the children. All were well, when I last heard from home, a few days since.
SOURCE: J. Franklin
Jameson, Editor, Annual Report of the American Historical Association
for the Year 1899, Volume II, Calhoun’s Correspondence: Fourth Annual Report of
the Historical Manuscripts Commission, Correspondence of John C. Calhoun,
p. 748-9
