Washington 26th Dec
1847
MY DEAR DAUGHTER, . . . Congress, as yet, has done but little,
and will not do much more, until after the 1st Jany. On the fourth of that
month my resolutions,1 in reference to the Mexican war, will come
up, when the discussion on that exciting and important subject will begin. The
prospect is, that I shall be able to carry them. If I should, it will do much
to arrest the war. If they should be defeated. We may look for the entire
conquest and subjugation of Mexico. What a fearful result it will be for our
country and institutions!
Already the interest in favour of its entire conquest and
subjugation is exceedingly strong; and will, if not arrested by the vote of the
Senate, become overwhelmingly so. Our people have undergone a great change.
Their inclination is for conquest and empire, regardless of their institutions
and liberty; or rather, they think they hold their liberty by a divine tenure,
which no imprudence, or folly on their part, can defeat. When my resolutions
were first introduced they were regarded by many as of little importance and
uncalled for; but at present they are viewed in a very different light. For my
part, I consider them, as among the most important I ever introduced, regarded
in their practical bearing on the course of events hereafter. I only hope, I
shall be able to do them full justice in what I may say. If I should, I feel
much confidence, I shall be able to arrest the present headlong enthusiasm for
war, which is rapidly impelling the country to its destruction.
Give my love to Mr Clemson, and the children. Kiss them,
also, for their Grandfather and tell them how much I wish to see them.
____________________
1 Works, IV, 396.
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, pp. 741-2
