Chapter XXVIII (2)

How long I ought in silence to bear ——’s slanders is now a serious
question. I have not seen his late speech at Harrisburg, but
understand from a friend that it charges me with being in constant
correspondence with foreign governments, urging the recognition of
the Confederacy. This is in substance a charge of treason, without
the shadow of a pretext, and ought to be punished by an appeal to
our courts of justice. Miss Lane desires to be kindly remembered
to you.

Your friend, very respectfully,
JAMES BUCHANAN.

[MR. BUCHANAN TO DR. BLAKE.]

WHEATLAND, August 6, 1862.

MY DEAR SIR:—

I write to thank you for your letter of the 24th ultimo, and for
Mr. O’Sullivan’s letters. He is an able and clear headed man. I
have read them according to your request.

—— is one of those inflictions which give me but little trouble.
His malignity without a cause almost amounts to insanity. He
cannot avoid abusing me. In this manner base minds relieve
themselves from the weight of obligations to their benefactors. I
have never read his speech. You speak of it as if it had been a
meeting of “the Republican and Douglas parties.” You may rest
assured that no such thing exists as a Douglas party in this
State. The former members of it are now thorough Democrats. The
very few exceptions, such as ——, ——, ——, and —— are the blackest
of Black Republicans. They had “a war meeting” in Lancaster on
Saturday last. It was not large, though many good Democrats came
to attend it. The first speaker was ——, and he led off in abuse of
me. Many then left. It is represented as an overwhelming meeting,
but it was, in truth, a comparatively small affair.

—— is doing Mr. Lincoln’s administration great injury. He is
exasperating the Democratic party against it, because he speaks as
if he were on confidential terms with the President...... The
Democratic party are the support of the war for the Constitution
and the Union, _as they were_, and yet they are denounced as
traitors by such scamps as ——. This cannot long endure. But I have
spent too much time on such a ——.

We have had much company during the last month; but we hear
nothing of Carlisle and Riggs. How rejoiced we shall always be to
see you!

My own health continues good. Miss Lane desires to be most kindly
remembered to you.

From your friend, very respectfully,
JAMES BUCHANAN.

P.S.—Would it not be well to send the carriage to New York for
sale?

[MR. BUCHANAN TO DR. BLAKE.]

WHEATLAND, near LANCASTER, August 15, 1862.

MY DEAR SIR:—

I was much gratified to learn from yours of the 9th instant the
favorable opinions entertained of my administration by Messrs.
Saulsbury and Washington. Such opinions begin to be a little more
common than they were a year ago, and they will be still more
common in another year......

We are all alive here with recruiting, and many, very many of our
best young men are entering the service. The present is believed
to be the crisis of the war, and for this reason they come forward
to do their duty.

I wish I had some news to communicate which would be agreeable to
you. We are proceeding in the same “John Trot” style as when you
left us. My health is as good as usual, and better than I deserve.
Miss Lane desires to be most kindly remembered to you.

By the bye, I enclose you a copy of a note addressed by me to Mr.
Lincoln on the 21st October last, which neither he nor his private
secretary has ever had the civility to answer. I presume he has
been made to believe by —— who enjoys and will betray his
confidence that I have opposed him in the war for the restoration
of the Union. I would make no appeal to him; but if you are on
terms with the private secretary, you might inquire after the
books. They came to me from poor Benton, whose name is written in
each volume.

From your friend, as ever,
JAMES BUCHANAN.

[MR. BUCHANAN TO MR. HUGHES.]

(Private.) WHEATLAND, near LANCASTER,
September 1, 1862.

MY DEAR SIR:—

I have received yours of the 29th ultimo, and regret that you
should have been prevented from paying me your intended visit. I
need not say you should have received a cordial welcome. I hope
you may ere long pay Wheatland a visit, when, without reserve, we
can talk over together the sad condition of the country, and the
course which ought to be pursued by the Democratic party in the
present dangerous emergency. It has ever been the bulwark of the
Constitution and the Union, and its action must now be in unison
with its glorious past history. My age and my position admonish me
to leave it in the care and guidance of younger men, and I rejoice
that you are now at the helm.

The next Congress will be by far the most important that has ever
assembled under the Constitution, and I deeply regret that any
difficulty should have arisen in the selection of a candidate for
the York district. I had hoped that Mr. Glossbrenner might have
been the man, because I know he is sufficiently firm and true for
the crisis. If my interference should promise any good, I shall
interfere.

Yours very respectfully,
JAMES BUCHANAN.

[MR. BUCHANAN TO DR. BLAKE.]

WHEATLAND, near LANCASTER, October 28, 1862.

MY DEAR SIR:—

I thank you sincerely for your kind letter of caution and advice.
I now send you my answer to General Scott. This was forced upon me
by a voluntary attack, which was little expected. Although I did
not altogether trust him, our relations since I ordered him to
Washington had been of a very friendly character.

You will please to take the document immediately to the office of
the _Intelligencer_. I cannot doubt that they will publish it
immediately. I leave it unsealed, so that you may first look over
it, if you think proper; but you will please to seal it up before
delivery. Mr. Carlisle might also see it, if this could be done
without delay.

I would thank you to immediately acknowledge its receipt. I should
be glad you could examine the proof; but this I presume is
impossible.

I have no doubt they will publish it, though their remarks
preceding Scott’s statement are unfriendly. This I could not have
expected from Col. Seaton.

Your friend always,
JAMES BUCHANAN.

[MR. BUCHANAN TO MR. C. E. BENNETT.]

WHEATLAND, near LANCASTER, October 29, 1862.

MY DEAR SIR:—

I have this moment received your letter of the 25th instant,
informing me that a number of ladies and gentlemen of Cincinnati
had formed themselves into a reading club, and had honored me by
adopting a resolution calling it after my name. I need not say how
much this token of their regard has touched the heart of an old
public servant in retirement. It shall be gratefully remembered.

The association, conducted with wise and persevering effort,
cannot fail to prove highly useful both to its own members and to
society. The solitary reading of an individual for mere pastime is
of comparatively little value either to himself or to others. The
information thus acquired soon passes away, and is forgotten,
unless fixed upon the memory and impressed upon the heart by an
interchange of opinions with congenial spirits. The participation
of ladies in the duties of the association is calculated to
exercise the most happy influence. It will promote refinement,
religion and morality among its members.

May the “Buchanan Reading Club” flourish and produce good fruit
long after he, whose name it bears, shall have been gathered to
his fathers.

Yours very respectfully,
JAMES BUCHANAN.

[MR. BUCHANAN TO MR. CAPEN.]

WHEATLAND, near LANCASTER, November 7, 1862.

MY DEAR SIR:—

Many thanks for your kind letter of the 29th ultimo. You have, no
doubt, frequent occasions to defend me, and I am truly grateful
that you embrace them with the ardor of friendship. None doubt
your ability.

When the troubles were approaching, I determined prayerfully upon
my course, from which I never departed. This was done after much
reflection, and had my earnest advice and recommendations been
followed, we should have had no war. It is now alleged if I had
plunged into hostilities with four or five hundred men, at an
early period, this would have terrified the South into submission.

General Scott’s attack upon me was most unexpected and causeless.
Perhaps it may prove all for the best.

I owe you many thanks for the copy of “Plain Facts,” etc., and I
should feel much indebted to you for half a dozen more copies. I
have looked over it with great interest. It has revived many
agreeable memories.

I congratulate you on having become a grandfather, and trust that
the boy may prove an honor to yourself and a distinguished and
useful citizen of his country.

I do not intend to remove from this place. I simply joined a
friend in purchasing a farm in Chester County, because at the
moment he was unable to pay for the whole of it. He desired it for
a residence, and as soon as he is able to pay for my half I shall
convey it to him.

I am truly rejoiced to learn that the Government is doing you a
simple act of justice. My health, thank God! continues good for a
man of my age.

Miss Lane desires to be kindly remembered to you.

From your friend, very respectfully,
JAMES BUCHANAN.

[TO MISS LANE.]

WHEATLAND, November 13, 1863.

MY DEAR HARRIET:—

I have received your letter of the 11th instant with Judge Black’s
opinion, and am glad that you have at length decided.

I enclose a letter directed to you. The Misses Johnstons will not
leave until next week. By them I shall send the package for Mrs.
Stevens, and another package, I presume, from the convent at
Georgetown, which Father Keenan gave me a few days ago. Father
Balf, his associate, brought it from Reading, where it had been
carried by a Mrs. McManus. It must have been on the way for some
time.

I shall go to the bank and make out your list of taxable property,
including your horse and your gold watch. I know not how I omitted
to enclose you the circular. Horses and watches are included in
it.

Please to remember me very kindly to Mr. Royal Phelps, and tell
Mr. Schell I heartily sympathize with him in the loss of his
election. It is a consolation to know that the people of his
district will be the greatest sufferers by his defeat.

My health and strength, I thank God, appear to be daily improving,
and we get along in great tranquility and peace. Miss Hetty is
very kind and attentive, and has been all I could desire since you
left.

With my affectionate regards to Mrs. Roosevelt and my best
respects to the Judge,

I remain yours affectionately,
JAMES BUCHANAN.

P. S.—Judge Black, as Dr. Nevin informs me, went to Washington on
Monday last. I shall be prepared, I think, before the meeting of
Congress without his aid.

[MR. BUCHANAN TO JAMES BUCHANAN HENRY.]

WHEATLAND, November 22, 1862.

MY DEAR JAMES:—

I have received your favor of the 19th instant, and am happy to
learn that my manuscript is safe in Mr. Schell’s hands. You
suggest that it might be proper to extend it so as to embrace the
history of my whole administration. I fear I am not able to
undertake the task. Besides, this would require my presence in
Washington, or that of some trusty person, to collect and arrange
the documents......

Things move on as usual at Wheatland. Judging from the number of
letters and papers I receive, I infer that my letter to General
Scott has been well received by the public.

I expected ere this to have seen in the _Intelligencer_ a short
reply which I made to General Scott’s last. I probably should have
made no reply, but for his introduction of the “stolen arms.”

Yours affectionately,
JAMES BUCHANAN.

[MR. BUCHANAN TO DR. BLAKE.]

WHEATLAND, November 27, 1862.

MY DEAR SIR:—

I have received your letters of the 24th and 25th instants, and I
am placed under additional obligations. I am already so much in
debt to you, and have so little means of payment, that I shall
have to take the benefit of the insolvent law. I am also greatly
obliged to my old and valued friend Colonel Seaton for his
fairness and kindness.

The cause of the delay is curious, and was entirely beyond your
control.

I should be sorry if General Scott would pursue the controversy
further. I do not charge him with intentional misrepresentation,
for of this I believe him to be incapable; but his memory is more
impaired than even I had believed. He has got a great many things
jumbled together, and does not seem to have any distinct ideas of
what has passed since he came to Washington in December, 1860. I
was rejoiced when he left the command of the army, though things
do not seem to have much improved since.

I do not see ——’s paper, but I understand that he is on a new tack
of downright falsehood. He announces that political assemblies
have been held at Wheatland, and even mentions the names of
gentlemen present, without the shadow of foundation. Judge Black
and Wm. B. Reed are always two of the _dramatis personæ_. It is
months since I have seen either, though I often hear from the
latter, though not from the former.

I have taken no part in party politics since my return from
Washington further than to express my opinions on current events
to a few personal friends and to give my vote. They (the ——’s),
have now got me up for Senator, when they well know that there is
no office which I should think for a moment of accepting.

I am in my usual health. Miss Lane is not at home this evening, or
she would send her kindest regards.

I send you the $2 which you paid for the _Intelligencers_.

Ever your friend,
JAMES BUCHANAN.

[MR. BUCHANAN TO MR. CAPEN.]

WHEATLAND, near LANCASTER, December 6, 1862.

MY DEAR SIR:—

I have received your favor of the 30th ultimo, and am gratified
that you think so well of my letters to General Scott. That the
editor of the Boston _Post_ should not have published them, is to
me a matter of astonishment, little reason as I have to be
astonished at any event. Throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and
the great West, they have been extensively republished and, I
think, have done much good. New England, however, except
Connecticut, is a sealed book. General Scott has, I believe, made
a final reply, but it has not yet reached me. This I shall not
answer, unless it contains something imperatively requiring it. I
have but few copies, and I cannot supply the demand. I send you
one of each.

I fear that your History of Democracy, of which I think highly, is
so far behind that it will require years for you to overtake the
present time. This period would furnish you ample illustrations of
the conservative wisdom of its principles.

You ask me what I think of Messrs. Holt, Stanton and Dickinson. I
cannot answer this question without going too much into detail.

Miss Lane desires to be very kindly remembered to you. Should you
visit Washington, we should be most happy to see you, either on
your way or your return.

From your friend, very respectfully,
JAMES BUCHANAN.

P.S.—Please to pardon me for having inadvertently written on two
sheets.

[MR. BUCHANAN TO HON. ISAAC TOUCEY.]

WHEATLAND, near LANCASTER, December 6, 1862.

MY DEAR SIR:—

Yours of the 19th ultimo afforded me sincere pleasure. I had
written to you several months ago, and from the fact it was never
acknowledged, I inferred it had never been received. I should be
glad to know whether I was correct.

My answers to General Scott have been well received throughout
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and the Western States, and have, I
think, produced a good effect. Not so, in New York and New
England, with the exception of Connecticut. I am informed they
were not published in Greene’s Boston _Morning Post_!! So much for
gratitude.

I perceive this moment by the papers that Scott has written a
third letter. I shall not reply to it unless something in it
should render this absolutely necessary.

I wonder that General Scott has not alluded to the resignation of
General Cass. I have not heard from the old gentleman since we
separated. It may become necessary that I should allude to his
offer and desire to withdraw his resignation and return to the
cabinet.

In a memorandum made by me some time after the event, I state as
follows: “On Monday, December 17, 1860, both Mr. Thompson and
Judge Black informed me that they had held conversation with
General Cass on the subject of his resignation, and that he had
expressed a desire to withdraw it and return to the cabinet. I
gave this no encouragement. His purpose to resign had been known
for several days, and his actual resignation had been prepared
three days before it was delivered to me. The world knew all about
it, and had he returned the explanation would have been very
embarrassing,” etc. Am I correct?

I send you a copy of the joint order of Mr. Holt and yourself. I
wrote to you before, as I have already stated (the letter may not
have been received), on the subject of the preparation of a
statement by yourself in regard to your course in the Navy
Department during the last months of the administration. I know
you took measures to prepare for the approaching troubles with a
wise precaution. Your testimony before the Hale Committee proves
this to be the fact.

Miss Lane desires to be kindly remembered to Mrs. Toucey and
yourself. I wish we could enjoy the privilege of seeing you both
at Wheatland.

With my kindest regards to Mrs. Toucey, I remain always,

Very respectfully, your friend,
JAMES BUCHANAN.

P.S.—Please to acknowledge this in a line on its receipt. You can
afterwards write.

[SENATOR SAULSBURY TO MR. BUCHANAN.]

“_Resolved_, That after it had become manifest that an
insurrection against the United States was about to break out in
some of the Southern States, James Buchanan, then President, from
sympathy with the conspirators and their treasonable project,
failed to take necessary and proper measures to prevent it.
Wherefore he should receive the censure and condemnation of the
Senate and the American people.”

SENATE CHAMBER, WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 1862.

HON. JAMES BUCHANAN:

DEAR SIR:—

Above is a copy of the resolution just offered in the Senate, by
Mr. Davis, of Kentucky. We let the Republicans manage the question
of its present consideration. Trumbull objected. My impression is
that it will be the occasion for great misrepresentation and abuse
of yourself and your administration, but whether the Senate will
be so unjust as to pass the resolution, under the circumstances,
may be doubtful. Those with whom you were most intimate are not
here to defend you. I shall, of course, protest against it, and if
you think it prudent to convey me any information to aid me in
opposing the resolution, I should be happy to receive it.

Your obedient servant,
W. SAULSBURY.

Have you copies of your letters in reply to General Scott?

[MR. BUCHANAN TO DR. BLAKE.]

WHEATLAND, near LANCASTER, December 16th, 1862.

MY DEAR SIR:—

I have just received your favor of the 15th instant. I think you
will come to the conclusion that I ought not to publish. I have
also received Mr. Davis’ resolution, which I consider infamous.
If, two years after a Presidential term has expired, the Senate
can go back and try to condemn and execute the former incumbent,
who would accept the office? Besides, the charge is wholly without
foundation, as is established by my letters to General Scott. I
have sent some copies of them to Senator Saulsbury, who sent me a
copy of the resolution......

Unless the resolution is the result of a caucus, I should hardly
think it could pass the Senate. I may have occasion for Mr.
Carlisle’s professional services before the termination of the
proceedings.

From your friend,
JAMES BUCHANAN.

[MR. BUCHANAN TO JAMES BUCHANAN HENRY.]

WHEATLAND, near LANCASTER, December 19, 1862.

MY DEAR JAMES:—

I have received yours of the 15th instant, with your description
of the property on Staten Island. I have no doubt it is a correct
representation. The distance from the landing, thirty minutes’
walk and two miles from your own house is an objection; but the
idea of keeping four men servants and such an establishment as
would be necessary, is scarcely consistent with my means. I have
lost heavily by the troubles of the times, and I wish to preserve
the principal of what I am worth (chiefly) for my family. Besides,
in my peculiar position, which you perfectly understand, my
purchase or removal would give occasion to fresh rumors of a
disagreeable character. I have about $15,000 in currency, which I
am very desirous to invest, and I wish you could assist me in
doing it. I presume an investment in this property would yield but
a small interest as rent. I might add that the Democracy of
Pennsylvania, now just rising into power, to which I owe so much,
would be outraged at my abandonment of the State in my old age.

You have doubtless witnessed the infamous attempt of Senator Davis
to pass a resolution of censure on myself; and, although it has
failed, the spirit to do me injustice still prevails in the
Republican party. They will, at last, without the least just
cause, endeavor to cast the responsibility of the war upon myself.
Although this is simply ridiculous in itself, they will endeavor
to make it appear a reality.

There is some malignant person in New York who sends me
disagreeable slips from New York papers, which I generally burn
without reading. In the last one, my eye was caught by ——, printed
at the head of a low caricature on myself. I just thought that Mr.
—— had made a bad selection of ——. If this gentleman had not
offered to correct Thurlow Weed’s lies, I should have had this
done in some other manner. The time has now passed. I presume he
was afraid; and certainly he was under no obligation to assume
this task.

Mr. John Quincy Adams delivered an address before the New York
Historical Society on the 30th April, 1839, _which I very, very
much_ desire to obtain. I spoke earnestly to Mr. Schell about it
the last time he was here, but I suppose he has forgotten it. I
would give any reasonable price for a copy. I wish very much that
you would procure me one. If this cannot be done, you might find
it in some of the public libraries, and make a copy for me from
pages 68 and 69, of what he says on the subject of secession.

We are getting along here in the usual style. I am not
disheartened, but, trusting in God, I hope my enemies will obtain
no advantage over me.

The two Harriets and Miss Hetty desire to be kindly remembered to
Mrs. Henry and yourself.

With my kindest regards to her, I remain,

Yours very affectionately,
JAMES BUCHANAN.

[MRS. CALEB B. SMITH TO MR. BUCHANAN.]

WASHINGTON, December 26th, 1862.

HONORED SIR:—

Your check for $30 was duly received. Your benevolent wishes have
been accomplished. Our Christmas feast was all that we could have
anticipated, and many a poor soldier’s heart did “leap for joy.”

With many thanks, I am

Yours respectfully,
MRS. CALEB B. SMITH.
Per C. M. M.

[MR. BUCHANAN TO MRS. J. J. ROOSEVELT.]

WHEATLAND, February 14, 1863.

MY DEAR MADAM:—

I often hear of your health and happiness through Harriet, but
have determined to hear directly from yourself, if I can
accomplish this by addressing you a letter. It is now “the auld
lang syne” since we first met; but to save all unpleasant
feelings, I was then much older than yourself. You captivated me
at once, and I have ever since remained faithful and true, and am
now, in my old age, your devoted friend. I should be a happy, as I
am a contented, man, were it not for the calamities of the
country. Still, I enjoy the consciousness that for many years I
warned my countrymen of the approaching danger; and during my
administration I did every thing in my power to preserve the
Union. Until I began to write history, I never fully appreciated
the part which those called the Douglas Democrats had in hastening
the catastrophe. Had they, at Charleston, simply consented to
recognize the decision of the Supreme Court in the Dred Scott
case, the Democratic party would not have been divided. This was
all on which the Southern delegates insisted. They said truly that
it made no difference to them, in point of fact, whether slavery
was abolished in the territories by act of Congress, according to
the Republican creed, or by an act of the Territorial Legislature,
according to the creed of squatter sovereignty. The delegation
from New York, headed by Dean Richmond, by their refusal to submit
to the constitutional laws of the land, as declared by the Supreme
Court, committed a fatal blunder. It would be curious to speculate
what might have been the present condition of the country, had the
Fernando Wood, instead of the Dean Richmond delegates, been
admitted at Charleston. Still, all this affords no excuse for the
conduct of the secessionists, and for their attack on Fort Sumter.

I have been twice disappointed in not seeing Prince John.[180] He
is now, I perceive, figuring extensively in politics, and, I
trust, successfully. He is able, eloquent, witty and eccentric. He
sometimes carries too much sail for his ballast, but I like him
very much. Why cannot he and Judge Roosevelt take a run to
Wheatland? How much good it would do me to see them!

I have not heard from our much valued friend, Augustus Schell, for
a long time.

Is it not strange that among a population so numerous, and so
intelligent and enterprising as ours, the war has not yet produced
one great General. McClellan is the best among them, unless it may
be Rosecrans. During the French Revolution there sprang up, often
from the ranks, Generals of the first order, possessing dash and
strategy, and capable of conducting a war of invasion in the most
efficient manner.

I sometimes hear of Lady Ousley, through Miss Lane. I rejoice that
her daughter is so well married, and shall ever hear of her health
and prosperity with the greatest satisfaction. When you write,
please to remember me to her in the kindest terms. Remember me,
also, kindly to Sir William.

Miss Lane feels the death of her brother very sensibly.

It would require much ingenuity to reconcile the apparently
conflicting statements of M. Mercier and Mr. Seward. These
will not, I think, lead to any serious consequences. The
difficulty here arises from the modern practice of publishing
indiscriminately diplomatic correspondence.

Please to remember me most kindly to the Judge, and believe me
ever to be

Respectfully and affectionately your friend,
JAMES BUCHANAN.

Footnote 180:

Mr. John Van Buren, to whom this _soubriquet_ was long applied.

[MR. BUCHANAN TO NAHUM CAPEN.]

WHEATLAND, February 23, 1863.

MY DEAR SIR:—

I have received yours of the 16th instant, and I can scarcely tell
you how much obliged I feel for it and the enclosed papers. In
consequence of your information, I have been able to find
everything I sought.

I feel how important it would be for myself to publish a
collection of my speeches on the different subjects to which you
refer, and especially on slavery; but I am too old and too lazy to
undertake the task. There are a few of these speeches which might
be useful to the country when they reach the point of examining
seriously the acts of the present administration outside of the
war.

Miss Lane and myself were highly gratified with your last
interesting visit. You became more like a member of the little
family than ever before. The information of which you possess so
inexhaustible a store was communicated in a familiar manner, and
we enjoyed your conversation very much. How delighted we should
always be to see you, but your distance forbids the hope that we
can often enjoy this pleasure.

Miss Lane left me on Tuesday last on a visit to her Uncle Edward
near Philadelphia. I sent your letter after her.

I wish I had some news to communicate which might prove
interesting to you. I know nothing of this kind for the present,
and to speculate concerning the future in the terrible condition
of our country would be vain labor.

From your friend, very respectfully,
JAMES BUCHANAN.

[MR. BUCHANAN TO MR. LEIPER.]

WHEATLAND, March 19, 1863.

MY DEAR SIR:—

I have received your favor of the 12th instant, and always rejoice
to hear of your good health and prosperity.

I have been absent for a few days on a visit to a friend in
Chester county, and on my return home I was rejoiced to find
Governor Porter. We passed a very pleasant time together, talking
of old times, and of the present as well as the past.

Miss Lane has not been at home for several weeks. She has been on
a visit to her uncle and his family at Oxford Church.

I wish I had some news to communicate which would be interesting
to you. I have almost ceased to speculate upon the future
condition of our country, and yet I entertain much hope that all
will yet be well. I cannot entertain the idea of a division of the
Union. May God, in His good providence, restore it!

From your friend, as ever,
JAMES BUCHANAN.

[TO MISS LANE.]

WHEATLAND, March 20, 1863.

MY DEAR HARRIET:—

I send you a letter just received from Mrs. Roosevelt in the very
condition it came to hand, and yet I scarcely believe it has been
violated. The envelope directed to me was open just as I send it.

The talented and faithful Spencer will soon deliver a lecture on
temperance. He has invited the girls to attend, and promised to
procure them tickets. That it will be able and eloquent you will
not doubt.

Two or three days ago I received a letter from old Mary Wall. She
writes to me, she says, because Miss Hetty and yourself have been
married and left Wheatland. Who are the happy and well governed
husbands she does not mention. Poor old thing! She must be in a
forlorn condition. I have enclosed her letter to Doctor Blake, and
requested him to inquire into her situation. Miss Hetty says she
might probably be admitted into Christ Church Hospital in West
Philadelphia. She is, I believe, a good Episcopalian, and has
several hundred dollars, if any body would take the trouble of
collecting it for her. I sincerely pity her.

Please to return the enclosed to brother Edward. Your purchases,
Miss Hetty says, have all arrived.

With love to all, yours affectionately,
JAMES BUCHANAN.

[MR. BUCHANAN TO DR. BLAKE.]

WHEATLAND, March 21, 1863.

MY DEAR SIR:—

I am much indebted to you for the _Daily Globe_ of April, 1862,
containing your letter to the editor. I was not aware that this
had been published by Mr. Rives, and I think you were, also,
ignorant of it. But it is just the thing.

I enclose you a letter, which I have received from Mary Wall. Pray
keep it a profound secret that Miss Lane and Miss Hetty have both
been married. I should like to know who are their husbands. I pity
the old woman, and would cheerfully contribute to her wants, but I
cannot pay her expenses to England. Besides, she would be in
greater want of money there than she is here. There is an
excellent Episcopal Institution for such persons in Philadelphia,
and I think through the influence of Miss Lane she might obtain a
home in it. What property has she? I cannot make this out from her
letter. Is she a member in full communion with the Episcopal
Church? Miss Hetty thinks she is. Miss Harriet has been absent for
some time. From your benevolent heart I know you will take
pleasure in answering these questions. Above all, do not let the
old woman know anything of the Episcopal Institution, lest she
might be disappointed. I do not know that they would charge her
anything for her living; but if they should, it would be a trifle.
If she had anything to give, this might facilitate her admission.

I very often think most affectionately of you and other
friends in Washington. But why should I tax their time by
asking them to write answers to letters of mine containing no
news. Correspondence ought to be an interchange of equivalents
between friends. I have no news to give, and to write letters
on the beauty of virtue and on the fitness of things to those
who are already virtuous, and are just what they ought to be,
would be a vain labor. I wish I had something to communicate
which might provoke a long letter from you in reply. My life
is tranquil and monotonous, although I see much company,
especially from my own State. Ere a month, I shall enter my
seventy-second year, should I live so long, and my health is
excellent, considering my age. If you could know how glad I
should be to see you, and to talk over with you past and
present events, you would never fail to come this way on your
route to New Jersey and New York.

I regret very much the fate of your able, honest, and time-honored
court. I feel a warm personal regard for C. J. Dunlop. Such acts
of wanton tyranny will surely return to plague the inventors.
There will be a “tit for tat.” Why could not the Judge Advocate
General, with the rank, pay, and emoluments of a colonel of
cavalry, have saved his brother-in-law?

I perceive by the _Intelligencer_ that Judge Black has gained his
great Quicksilver Mine cause. This alone ought to make him rich.

Yours affectionately,
JAMES BUCHANAN.

[MR. BUCHANAN TO DR. BLAKE.]

WHEATLAND, near LANCASTER, April 10, 1863.

MY DEAR SIR:—

I ought ere this to have acknowledged your very welcome letter of
the 21st and 26th ultimos. Your letters are always gratifying to
me, and I regret that I can give you so little in return. To
attempt to furnish you political news would be truly sending coals
to Newcastle.

I do not think it necessary at present to republish your letter in
refutation of Mr. Fessenden’s statement. Thanks to your kindness,
it is now of record in the _Globe_, and I presume it has been of
course transferred to the _Congressional Globe_. You might look.

My defence has been greatly enlarged, and will be published in due
time. I do not think this is the proper moment. Thanks to General
Scott, I need not now be in so great a hurry.

I am truly rejoiced to learn that our good and large hearted
friend Sullivan has recovered his health. May blessings rest upon
his “frosty pow!”

I am sorry to learn that Dr. Jones has had a severe attack of
gout...... He is one of my most esteemed friends, and is a
faithful and true man. May he live and prosper for many years!

Miss Lane had an idea of visiting Mr. Berghman’s, but not since
the death of her brother. She is still in Philadelphia, but I
expect her home in a week or ten days. The loss of her brother has
made a deep impression upon her. She, although the youngest, is
now the last of her father’s children.

Our friend Carlisle sent me the brief of his argument in the
case of the Brilliante. I perused it at the time with great care
and great satisfaction. His points are presented in lucid and
convincing order; and in my humble judgment he ought to have
gained the cause. I know not why I did not acknowledge the brief
at the time it was received. This I ought to have done. Judge
Black, who was here yesterday, spoke of his argument in the
highest terms. By the bye, the Judge really seems to be
embarrassed with his money. He is at a loss to know what to do
with it. I gave him advice on this subject, but whether he will
follow it, I know not. I am truly sorry that Mr. Carlisle has
felt it to be his duty to refuse to take the oath prescribed by
the new court. I do not know what it contains. If he cannot
conscientiously take it, there is an end of the question. If he
has refused simply because the court has no right to require it,
I think he has not acted prudently. He is an able and honorable
man, and a discriminating and powerful lawyer, and I fear he may
suffer in a pecuniary view. Please to remember me to him in the
most friendly terms.

Poor Mary Wall! If she has determined to return to England, I
shall cheerfully contribute to pay her expenses. You may set me
down for $20.

Could you not pay me a visit, and bring Mr. Carlisle with you,
when the spring fairly opens?

From your friend, as ever,
JAMES BUCHANAN.

P.S.—Miss Hetty, of whom you kindly inquire, has entirely
recovered her health, and is now larger than I ever saw her. I
cannot keep her in the house, or prevent her from working in the
garden or about the lawn.

[MR. BUCHANAN TO MR. NAHUM CAPEN.]

WHEATLAND, May 8, 1863.

MY DEAR SIR:—

I owe you many thanks for President Lord’s picture of
Abolitionism. It is clearly and forcibly written, and proceeding
from a New England clergyman, it is almost miraculous.

I fear you are too sanguine in predicting that in another year
there will be great changes in favor of Democracy in the New
England States. The clergy have taught the people there that
slavery is a mortal sin demanding extirpation.

The mass of the Democracy in this State is as true to the
Constitution and the Union as the needle to the pole. With the
exception of a few fanatics, they are not extreme. They will obey
the laws, and await the process of the ballot-box for redress.
Unless something unexpected should occur, they will elect their
governor in October by a large majority.

From the current of events, it is to be apprehended that it will
be long before the Democracy can obtain a majority in the Senate.
The people already begin to speculate upon this subject. They say
it would be unjust that the six New England States with a
population scarcely greater than that of New York, should have a
representation in the Senate equal to that of New York,
Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri combined, not
to speak of Western Virginia, and the thinly peopled Territories
soon to be admitted as States. For my own part I am willing to
follow where the Constitution leads, trusting to Providence for
the final result. Still I should be rejoiced if even a single
Senator could be elected from New England.

Miss Lane came home for a few days a brief time ago; but returned
to her uncle’s to be confirmed and admitted as a member of the
Episcopal Church. When she next returns, I have no doubt she will
be too happy to write to you.

From your friend, very respectfully,
JAMES BUCHANAN.

[MR. BUCHANAN TO MR. CAPEN.]

WHEATLAND, May 18, 1863.

MY DEAR SIR:—

In answer to your request of the 11th instant:—I regret that I
have not a single copy of the Documents to which you refer, except
those forming a part of the entire set of Documents for 1860-61.
It is but a few weeks since I gave the last copy to a friend. I
have received Judge Parker’s Letters and Address, for which please
to accept my thanks. You inform me in your note of the 14th, that
you enclose me a slip containing facts upon a subject alluded to
in our conversation when you were at Wheatland. _This I have not
received._

Miss Lane has not yet returned and my evenings are rather
solitary. Still I resign myself in a philosophic and, I trust,
Christian spirit to the privations inseparable from old age. I
wish, with all my heart, that I had a few neighbors like yourself.

I try to think as little of public affairs as possible; but they
will ever intrude. If I could be of any service, I should
sacrifice all to restore the Union; but as I can contribute
nothing towards the accomplishment of this most desirable object,
I relieve my mind from the subject as much as possible.

From your friend, very respectfully,
JAMES BUCHANAN.

[MR. BUCHANAN TO MISS LANE.]

MY DEAR MISS LANE:—

I enclose you a letter from James S. Lane, which, under your
general license, so far as your Uncle John’s estate is concerned,
I took the liberty of opening.

Lancaster is in a state of agitation and alarm. They have
determined, on motion of Mr. Hager, to defend the city to the last
extremity. I do not consider the danger great, so far as we are
concerned. It may be otherwise at Harrisburg. You had better
remain at your Uncle Edward’s; because if you were to return home,
if there were any danger, I should send you back. I suppose you
are aware that Doctor Nevin has sent Alice and Blanche to New
York. I do not think we are in any serious danger in Lancaster;
but if we were, you could not by possibility remain.

Mr. Swarr is here, and I want to send this to town by him. In
haste

Yours affectionately,
JAMES BUCHANAN.

[MR. BUCHANAN TO MR. CAPEN.]

WHEATLAND, July 8, 1863.

MY DEAR SIR:—

I have received your note of the 5th instant, with the article
enclosed. This I have read with much satisfaction. It is the
philosophy of politics applied to our present unfortunate
condition.

It is probable the rebels might have paid a flying visit to
Lancaster had not the bridge across the Susquehanna at
Wrightsville been burnt down. I remained quietly at home, and
would not have removed under any circumstances. They were within
eleven miles of us.

I am at a loss for precise dates, which you can supply. When was
the Anti-Slavery Society organized at Boston, and when did
Thompson arrive in this country, and how long did he remain? By
answering these questions, if convenient, you will greatly oblige
me.

Miss Lane is now at home, and desires to be most kindly remembered
to you. My health is as good as usual.

From your friend, very respectfully,
JAMES BUCHANAN.

[MR. BUCHANAN TO DR. BLAKE.]

WHEATLAND, July 23, 1863.

MY DEAR SIR:—

I have received the _National Intelligencer_ containing the well
deserved eulogy on our deceased friend Mr. Sullivan. I saw a
notice of his death some days before in the Philadelphia _Age_,
and immediately wrote a letter of sympathy to his widow, an
excellent woman, worthy of such a husband. I felt deeply the death
of Mr. Sullivan, from our ancient friendly social relation which
had continued without interruption for many years.

By the bye, you do not seem to have been aware, as I was not
myself until a few days ago, that my franking privilege had been
abolished. It was first brought to my notice by the receipt of
letters and packages in the form of letters marked with double
postage because not prepaid. The Postmaster General, in his
instructions, ought to have noticed this. It was hardly consistent
with the dignity of Congress, whilst retaining the privilege of
its own members, to strike at Mrs. Harrison, if she is still
living, Mrs. Polk, Mr. Fillmore, General Pierce, and myself. But I
care nothing about it. This privilege, in all its forms, ought to
be entirely abolished. Members of Congress have abused it to an
enormous extent. Neither the Queen nor any member of the British
Parliament can frank a letter.

I have not been so well for some days. My rheumatism has partially
returned with strong symptoms of dyspepsia. I propose going to the
Bedford Springs some day next week, should nothing occur to
prevent.

The draft gives much dissatisfaction in this county, especially
among poor men with large families dependent for support on their
labor. The laws, however, will not here be forcibly resisted.

How glad I should be to meet you, and other old Washington
friends; but this seems to be impossible.

Unless some great and unforeseen change should take place, Judge
Woodward will be elected governor of our State by a large
majority.

Miss Lane desires me to present her kindest regards.

From your friend,
JAMES BUCHANAN.

[MR. BUCHANAN TO MR. SCHELL.]

WHEATLAND, near LANCASTER, July 25, 1863.

MY DEAR SIR:—

It is so long since I have heard from you that I wish to know what
has become of you, and how you are enjoying yourself.

Although taking no active part in politics, I have yet been
observing, with great interest, the events that are passing. I
have been much gratified with Governor Seymour’s course, but fear
he is now about to fall into an error. The conscription law,
though unwise and unjust in many of its provisions, is not, in my
opinion, unconstitutional. The Constitution confers upon Congress
in the clearest terms the power “to raise and support armies,”
without any other limitation except that “no appropriation of
money to that use shall be for a longer term than two years.” How
shall these armies be raised? Can this only be done by voluntary
enlistment? Or may not Congress resort to a conscription law as a
necessary and proper means, such as is employed by other nations
for this purpose?

I think the confusion on the subject has arisen from the blending
the restricted power over the militia, an entirely distinct
question, with that of the general power in Congress to raise
armies.

But I merely make these suggestions. It would be very unfortunate
if, after the present administration have committed so many clear
violations of the Constitution, the Democratic party should place
itself in opposition to what I think must be the decision of the
Supreme Court of the United States on this question.

I have not been so well as usual for the last few days. I intend
to go to Bedford towards the end of next week, if nothing should
prevent, and shall take Miss Hetty along with me, whose robust
health has been giving way for some time past. Miss Lane and Miss
Buchanan will remain at home. I would request you to accompany me
there, but I know the company will be small, and the place would
not be agreeable to you, under these circumstances.

From the last letter received from James Henry I fear he will lose
his excellent wife. I sympathize with him deeply in this gloomy
prospect. Her loss to him would be irreparable. May Heaven avert
it!

Cannot my fifteen Tennessee five per cent. bonds be now sold at a
rate bearing a just proportion to the price of the six per cent.
bonds?

“The signs of the times” in this State indicate the election of
Judge Woodward by a large majority. Unless some great and
unexpected change should take place, such I confidently predict
will be the result.

Miss Lane and Miss Buchanan desire to be very kindly remembered to
you.

From your friend, very respectfully,
JAMES BUCHANAN.

[MR. BUCHANAN TO MR. BAKER.]

WHEATLAND, July 26, 1863.

MY DEAR SIR:—

I have no news to communicate of the least importance, and write
only to keep the chain of friendship bright between you and
myself. My health has not been as good as usual for the last few
days, but the visit to the Bedford Springs will, I think, be of
service to me. The fabled fountain to restore youth has never yet
been discovered, and there is no remedy for old age but Christian
philosophy and resignation. By the bye, should you have business
at Broad Top, how happy I should be to have your company thus far,
or until the end of the journey, should you desire to use the
water. There has been, and probably will be, but little company
there, and Farmer Baker must, I presume, stay at home at this busy
season. We propose to leave on Thursday next. I shall take Miss
Hetty with me, whose health has been declining for some time. Miss
Lane and Annie Buchanan will remain at Wheatland.

What has become of the visit of Mr. Read and yourself, from which
I had anticipated so much pleasure? I have heard nothing either
from or of Mr. Dillon for a long time. Doctor Sample passed a day
and night with me last week. We had a most agreeable time talking
over “old times” and our memories of men of the past generation.
He is old and feeble in body, and somewhat deaf, but his intellect
is still clear. He seems to be contented with his lot, and in him
Christianity has disarmed the fear of death.

. . . . . . .
.
. . . . . . .
.
. . . . . . .
.

Please to remember me in the kindest terms to Mrs. Baker, Mrs.
Hopkins and the other members of your most agreeable family. So
much for Sunday morning before going to church.

Ever your friend,
JAMES BUCHANAN.

[MR. BUCHANAN TO MISS LANE.]

BEDFORD SPRINGS, August 3, 1863.

MY DEAR HARRIET:—

We arrived here safe and sound on Friday last before dinner. I
hardly ever passed a more uncomfortable day than that on which I
left, having suffered the whole day with a violent diarrhœa. At
night Mrs. Baker gave me a dose of your friend Brown’s
Anti-Cholera mixture, which cured me outright. The water has had
its usual good effect upon me, and I think I needed it much. No
healing fountain can cure old age; but with God’s blessing it may
assist in gently sloping the way which leads to death.

The company here consists of about one hundred and fifty, and I
think there is fully that number. There are many sensible and
agreeable people among them; but they are not very gay. On
Saturday night they made the first attempt to get up a cotillion,
and it partly succeeded, but they wanted the buoyancy and
brilliancy of former times.

There are several naughty secession girls here from
Baltimore,—some of them very bright. My principal amusement has
been with them, and I am really inclined to believe they give
General Schenck a hard time of it. The stories they tell of how
they provoked him are truly amusing. They praise General Wool, and
I have no doubt they flatter him into a compliance with many of
their wishes. They speak rather contemptuously of our friend
General Dix, but Schenck is their abomination.

I treat them playfully, and tell them I love them so, that it
would be impossible for me ever to consent to part from them, and
that the shocking idea has never once entered my head of living in
a separate confederacy from them. I am like Ruth, and that they
must not entreat me from following after them. We must be one and
indivisible. I hear accounts from the other side, and it is
certain the Baltimore women must give General Schenck a rough road
to travel.

Our little party is very agreeable. Mrs. Nevin is as gay as a girl
let loose from school after a long session of hard service. I
could hardly tell you how much she enjoys herself. Miss Hetty gets
along quietly and well. Her manners are ladylike, and she behaves
with perfect propriety. Mrs. Baker is very good and very ladylike;
and Miss Swarr is modest but cheerful. I need not speak of Messrs.
Swarr, Baker, Carpenter, and North. We are all grateful. There
have been many kind inquiries after you, but a watering place is
like the world, even the grandest performers are soon forgotten.

Mr. Babcock, of the Yeates Institute, preached here last night,
but I did not hear him. Those who did, say he preached very well.
I never saw him to my knowledge.

I am treated by all with kindness and respect. I saw Mrs. Patton
and Miss Hamilton on Saturday evening. The health of the latter is
evidently improving.

Give my love to Miss Annie, Elizabeth Speer Buchanan, and remember
me kindly to Mrs. Fahnestock. I hope you are all getting along
happily.

Yours affectionately,
JAMES BUCHANAN.

[MR. BUCHANAN TO MR. LEIPER.]

WHEATLAND, September 22, 1863.

MY DEAR SIR:—