The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1856-08-08
MR. FILLMOREs PRospECTs.


MR. FILLMORE'S PROSPECTS.
We have accidentally obtained possession
oil the following correspondence. and, though
not intended for publication, we take the lib
erty of inserting it in our columns. Mr..
Sneed is a member of Congress from this
State. gallant and tme.hearted American,
who is well informed on the subject in rela.
tion to which his opinion is asked. and his
reply shows clearly that he has entire conf.
dsnce of Mr. Fillmore's success:
ST. LOUIS, July 10, "a.
Hon. WDl. II. Sneed-Dear Sir:-When YOU
became a member of Congress- you no doubt
expected to be troubled, and | have no idea
that you have in the least been disappointed.
1t is not probable. however, that YOU ever
contemplated being troubled with a letter
from me- But, for old acquaintance sake,
venture to write privately for private pur-
pose-and that is, to ask from you your pri-
vate opinion as to the probable result of the
present Presidential contest.
As you may well suppose am taking no
active or public part in these matters, but
at the same time can but feel intensely inter-
ested. surrounded as am by host of the
"odds" and lends" of all creation, a large
majority OF whom seem to desire nothing
more ardently than TO get the ascendency in
the political, social, and religious affairs of
this country-of whose laws and language
they are almost entirely ignorant.
OF one hundred and thirty thousand in
habitants this city now contains, two.fifths
of the whole are claimed as Germans; anoth-
err fifth, or thereabout is Irish. large por-
ton, perhaps q majority, are Abolitionists
In the State it lie otherwise, the people there
are American. For my private satisfaction
desire to know your opinion, from the ad-
vantages you possess, as to between whom
the contest lies, Has not Fillmore good
prospectf How will it be in the Eastern
Statesi How in New York and Pennsylva-
Mai
Any information your time and inclination
will allow you to give me, will be thankfully
received. Very respectfully.
HOUSE OF REPS U. s.
July 26, 1856. 4
Dear Sir:-Yeur letter was received yes
terday, and take pleasure in giving you
prompt reply.
When Mr.. Fillmore was first nominated,
and, indeed, until his arrival at New York,
was Of opinion that it would be impossible.
under the adverse current of circumstances
surrounding the American party, to give him
even credtable support. These circum
stances l need not detail to you now. Mr..
Fillmore had no sooner opened his mouth
than the tide began to change in his favor;
and that series of eloquent, noble, patriotic
speeches-taking in his whole country-re
buking fanaticism in its own citadel have
met with accordant responsive assent in the
hearts of the people, all over our yet undi
Uided land; and thus he achieved for his party |
and himself-almost as if by magic-not only |
more than all the politicians had been able |
to effect but more than it seemed possible to |
be effected. have never doubted the final
triumph of the American organization. To
doubt its ultimate success, in my judgment, is
is as politically sacrilgious as to ques-
ton the right of the people to self gov
eminent. But did not look for its great
victory so soon as every indication now points
to its achievement. The election of Mr..
Fillmore is, indeed political necessity. On
a similar but less perilous occasion he was
called to the helm Of the ship Of State, and
under his just, conservative, patriotic control,
the noble vessel, with a full crew, "lsonest
and capable, "walked the pdters like a thing
of life" Peace and harmony was given to
bitter and discordant people, and different
sections, animated and infiamed by hostile
arguments denunciatory defamation and ag
gressve measures, Gained down into fratern-
al regard and marched together in mutual
prosperity, keeping step to the music Of the
Union" His presence among his own native
fellow-citizens awakens In fresh vigor these
heart.stirring recollections and has produced
popular counter-current, which l now be.
lieve will be irresistible; and God grant that |
the opinion may be shown in the result to be
well-founded. l believe that he will be our |
next President, and that the Government will |
only be saved by and through his success. l
have not time to write you more at LENGTH
II seem enthusiastic-too much so-make
due allowance for the uninterrupted cheering
news from ever quarter and the sudden ele-
walton of our hopes; and also regard the i'm
mense magnitude Of the issue, thus suddenly
bursting from deepest gloom to brightest day,
and though ageis stealing upon us both, and
maturing and SOLDERING our spirits, as well as
whitening our locks think you will so far
doff the dignity and sedateness of clerical
feature and habits, as to give me one sound
shout for Fillmore and our native land. You
may use this as you choose, with the state
ment repeated, that it is written in haste,
and in the carelessness of intimate friendly |
communication. Your friend,
W. II. SNEED.