Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1842-12-01
kISpERHooK, Nov. %. 1871.


My dear Sr--l have received your friendly letter
and do most suceuy reeprucae your cong laulatohs
on the subject Of The recent elections The results
great and gratifying as they certainly are, do neverhe
less, bot exceed what those who place a Just confidence
IN the people OF this country had right 10 ex:at-oc
""'oratcd, II is true, liz ut Vi tlme by natural and
strong desire 10 wipe oil the temporary stigma affixed 10
their character by the apparent Of last years buff
ioonery.
Your observations in regard to the Presidency are OF
tho same friendly aud dshefestod character BIZ which
your whole political intercourse with has been dis
tingulshed. There is nothing, personal TO myself in
respect TO which am more anxious than to be distinct
~ understood upon all points by my political friends
and tins endeavored to accomplish upon the particular
points to which you refer by my letter the Missouri
Legislature. cannot the instant conveniently refer
to that document but am quite sure thar what am
bout to will not vary much from the substance OF it,
NO one can be more sensible than am, how far the
honors and avors which have from time 10 time been con
erred upon by my political friends have already OK
ceeded my descrs and nothing be more certain than
the satisfaction and cordallty with which WILL If then
alive, be found I" acquIroce IN the selection they may
make OF their next candidate for the Presidency
In making their choice considerations Of mere person
al favor VIII, trust as am they ought, be entire
~ LAID out OF view. and that dividua taken whose
lection SHALL under all circumstances, be deemed most
likely to ensure success 10 the principles of the Demo
cratic party. This is the great end 10 be ACCOMPLISHED
aud to reach 1t all subordinate considerations must be
dsreearded That | lost my election in consequence,
OF my efforts to sustain those principles, according 10 my
understanding OF them will scarcely lie denied at th,
day by any one whether political friend or an oppl
ncnt. 1t is, nevertheless with unelned sincerity that
assure YOU that SO far from putting forward that defeat
ground of present favor look back upon my course it
the performance Of the dutirs of that perod-dulie.
which seemed to me alike plain and Imperave-wiil
feelings and recoecons which. regardless of the per
sona consequences that ensued afford me rea salts
faction than have derived from any OF the previous e
vents OF my political life. diversified and interesting az
they are known To have been.
Whilst such the lights in which the subject is re-
garded by me. and whilst shall most assuredly neve
lake single step with view to be made candidate
have at the same tnIc. not said what you inform mt
some have understood me say, that would decline
the performance Of any public duty tie execution
which the people of the United States should fit tt
call me, aud which shall not be inconsistent witt, tn,
station have already held through their favor.
IN regard TO the proper time for action in this matter
90 not know that can add any ding 10 what was cX
pressed IN my Missouri letter. Nor haze found reason
to change the opinions therein advanced. 1t may,
think, be safely assumed that the Democracy of II
ton viii name its candidate Tor the high Office in abun
danl season for the next election, and that too, in
ner best calculated 10 meet the feelings, the har
mony and the strength of that great and patriot
~ PARTY Endcavors TO iuroSta their action, of the
character YOU refer to- may indeed be made. bal the,
should re permitted 10 discourage those who desire
tar and fall oppression of the public will; for II eNpcd
ence has ~ thing clear in our politics, II is Iht
certainty with which personal premature efforts in
thai direction wa dseountenaneed and ultimately dis
comtlCd by the Democracy.
The Presidency above al others. seems to be place
which they determined sla sait their free will offer
ing. ana in respect which they Will neither allow
themselves TO be assalled by personal opportunities
permit their selection 10 be FASTENED or mpeded by
parte arrangements. When the proper period for ma
king choice OF a candidate shall in their judgment have
arrived. they will do so; and be assured, my dear Sif
that those, any snch there be- who unwilling wait
, their movements are found 10 have made themselves
busy IN promoting personal aspirations however ecya-
tea Their position IN other respects will be the least like
" to be made the depository of confidence and favor
Such has ever been the aconof the Democratic mind and
by the uniformity of lis adoption IN respect 10 OF the
most important of the subjects submitted 10 then
supervision, the people Of the |. :. have added TO
the many proofs they have givea of tIeis capacity os
sell government
am, dear Sir. very respectfully
our friend and uhedieni servant.
NJ. VAN buren,.
HsNRy Hons. Esq
Mr. Van Buren, speaks Of "last wears buffmncry )" in