davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1860-10-12
Reply of II. J. Franklin
4 1

q,
To MessrI Fred Emory, Wa @. Matthias Daniel Scully,
Dyer and John ". henry:
GsntIemen Of the COm1ntee:-In reply to your letter
of inquiry, will state that was present during
the sittings of the ,Lecompton Constitutional Con-
ventiOn, and that many of its members were my
warm personal and political friends. There was
much debate to the manner of submission, and
also upon the question of nOn-submission.
Mr. Calhoun was the chief leader of the submis-
sionists and it was owing to his influence and
agement that the Constitution was submitted in the
manner it was. Most of the members, who were
regarded as true to the South took the ground that
it was not incumbent upon the Convention to refer
the Constitution to the people, and consequently
voted to send the Constitution direct to Congress
and carried the proposition by vote. Upon that
night there was a meeting in Calhouns office to de-
wise means to have the question recOnsidered, and
adopt the plan which they did afterwards succeed
in adopting.
Calhoun was bitterly denounced by many of the
members, and openly charged with endesvoring to
make Kansas free State IN violation of the wishes
of the party to which he belonged, and by which he
had been chosen leader. 1t was generally under
stood and the information came from Mr.. Calhoun
that Mr.. Douglas was in favor of the plan, which
was adopted, and would advocate its passage
through Congress and have heard some of the
members say that they voted for the plan which
was adopted, because they entertained such belief
| never saw any letter from Mr. Douglas to Mr.
Calhoun in which any plan was suggested for the
Convention to pursue; neither did l see letter
from Mr.. Douglas TO any man.
Sometime after the death of Mr.. Calhoun, his
brotherin-law, Oliver Diefendorf, Of Leavenworth,
stated to me that the family of Mr.. Calhoun in
possession of letter, or letters, written by Mr..
Douglas to Calhoun, in which Douglas advised Mr..
Calhoun to pursue the course he did. he also said
to that he intended TO get possession of the let
ters and use them as he saw proper.
was opposed 10 that plan Of submission would
have preferred the Convention to have sent the Con
stitutIon direct to Congress. l was warm advo-
cate OF the Lecompton Constitution before the peo-
pie advocated ITS adoption and for office I'M
der 1t, on the Democratic ticket and voted all
true Southern men did vote, to make Kansas slave
State.
Yours, truly, B. F. FRANKLIN.
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1860-10-12
Reply OF VIM. C. Matthias.

LEAVENWORTI CITY, N. L, sept. 70, ISbU.
Col LEWIS BURNEs.-DeGr Sir: In reply to your
letter of the 18th inst, can state that was well
acquainted with General John Calhoun, President of
the Lecompton Constitutional Convention, IN his life
time, aud were warm personal and political
friends We stood together in the Lecompton strug-
gle. have been citizen Of Kansas Tor nearly SIX
years and having been member OF three several
Legislatures in Kansas, am somewhat conycrsant
with the history Of politics therein
Some time before the Lecompton Constitutional
Convention assembled at its adjourned session. Mr..
Cslbonn showed me letter, which he told ME had
been written by Hon. Stephen A. Douglas, and seEt
to him for the purpose of influencing members of the
Convention TO adopt particular form OF submitting
the Constitution In that letter, Mr.. Douglas ADVISED
q plan of submission, which plan was nnally ADOPT
ed by the Convention. And II was 1urther stated Oy
Mr. Douglas in the letter before spoken OF, that II
the plan which he (Douglas) had advised should be
approved BY the Convention, that he (Douglas)
wauId pledre Its passage through Congress And,
in order that whist little could do towards bringing
this plan about might be done Mr. Calhoun invited
nv cooperation, but did not 90 to LecomptOn uu-
ring the sitting of the Convention
After the Lecompton Constitution had been
framed the Democratic party assembled IN ConVen-
tion al Lecompton for the purpose of nominating
State ticket During the sitting OF that convention
General Calhoun. desiring me- against my wishes, to
accent the nomination for Lieutenant Governor, and
seemipg TO suppose that my indispOsitOn to accept
arose from doubts as to ultimate success, frequently
and emphatically assured me that MIR. Douglas would
stand by the Constitution III Congress, and would IN
no event abandon us Hence we made the can
yass with strong hopes.
A short time before the meeting of the Charles
ton Convention. saw Mr.. Calhcun's eldest son in
LeavenwO City and asked him whether his mo-
Their WAS in possession Of the letter referred TO- and
he replied that she was | then suggested to aim
my intention of addressing her etteT requesting it
of her for the purpose OF using 1t in the present pO
tical contest if necessary. He said could get it.
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1860-10-12
Compensation.

The Banner speaking of the editor of a new BELL
EVERETT paper IN Louisiana says: lie was Clerk
Of the Legislature few years ago, and astonisned
everybody by refusing to take the extra pay which
that body voted him. That was very well in the
Louisiana clerk, but he was not a BELL man then.
JOIN BELL not only took additional pay for services
he had already rendered as United States Senator,
Jrd uotcd L 10 himself When Mr. PUGH of Ohio NOV
ed to strike out that portion Of the Compensation Bill
which gave the increased pay to members of Con-
gress for the time they had already served JOHN
BELL voted against striking out that section and vot-
ed to concur in the House amendment which become
the law For further particulars apply to W. B.
SroEEs, R. B. BRABsoN, J. G. PICKETT 5. 5. STANTON,
or WM HEISEELI4
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1860-10-12
RenIrotLucinn ]. Ens,in.

CHuLlCOTHE, Mo-, Sept. %, 1850.
Mr. FRED. EMORY Chairman of COmmittee-Dedr
Sir: The letter from yourself and others. making
certain inquiries concerning the course of Stephen A
Douglas in regard to the LeeOmpt0n Constitution, has
been received. In reply. have to state
That was a member of the Lecompton Constitu-
tional Convention. There was at one time majority
of its members opposed TO any submission of that
instrument TO the people. 1t is useless to go into
detail of the reasons that Influenced them. Suffice 1t
TO saw they justified themselves on the grr und that
the free State men had refused to recognize the laws
and they were determined now so far as in their
mower to get rid OF the Kansas question. consider
able feeling had gotten up between the aBti-subms-
sonists and those iii favor Of submission About this
time John Calhoun Presi lent OF the Convention. and
the know friend of Mr.. Douglas, declared TO me and
others that he authorized to say, II the slavery
clause was submitted, Mr.. Douglas would sustain our
action. He read from a speech delivered by Mr..
Douglas think, at Springfield, ILL.,, and also from a
etter written by Mr. Douglas to John Calhoun.
The main points of t re letter, as now remember,
are substantially as follows: That the free State
men of Kansas had refused to vote, denouncing the
laws as bogus; and if they continued to refuse to
vote even though they had majority, deserved to
! be defeated. That if the Convention would submit
| the slavery clause of the Constitution which was
the bone of contention it could be sustained and the
Constitution carried through Congress- and he would
! give it bis support. In this way the Constitution
| could not be voted down, and the Democracy and
the country would get rid Of the Kansas question.
That Mr.. Douglas wrote the letter 10 Mr. Calhoun,
as above referred to, is certain in my mind. Mr.
! Calhoun urged the reasons of Mr.. Douglas with
much earnestness. He said it important to have
| the influence of Mr.. Douglas His arguments pre-
vailed. Enough of the members changed to give a
majority to carry the plan of submission adopted
by the Convention 1t owing mainly might
say entirey-to the letter of Douglas and the argu
ments of Mr. Calhoun, urged with much force. that
| the submission of the slavery clause was finally
adopted
l have now given you what came under my OWL
observation, without any coloring Ihave aimed a
a simple narration of facts as they occurred.
! Truly yours, LUCIAN J. EAsTIN.
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1860-10-12

when the plan Of partial submission was on the floor
l offered as an amendment that the whole Constitu-
ton should be submitted, and that the ballots, in
stead of reading, "For the Constitution with slave
ry," and "For the Constitution without slavery"
should read For the Constitution" and Against
the Constitution" and in support of my amendment,
denounced the 'dodge submission" as termed it,
saying that no friend of the Union, nor true Demo-
crat could support what a cheat and a swindle,
designed split the Union and that no statesman OF
any foresight could countenance it, and that Con-
gress could not approve it, but spurn it.
Mr.. Calhoun again invited me, with one or two
others, to his room, and, knowing that l was an
admirer of the political course and character of Mr.
Douglas he said he wished to convince me that |
was mistaken about the way statesmen regarded the
plan of partial submission" and thereupon read a
letter which purpOrted to be written by Stephen A
Douglas, and which RECOMMENDED that precise plan
Imerely replied that might be deceived as to who
are great statesmen but that that letter could no con-
vince me as to what was true policy. heard that
letter spoken of freely and Frequently afterward and
am satisfied that the plan of partial submission
would not have been adopted by the Convention II
it had not been for the influence of that letter
Yours truly, G. r. MOBLEY.
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1860-10-12
Reply of C. II. RIObIy.

OGDEN' hIi.EI COONTf, n l., sept. Isl 1901.
MessrI Frei Emory, W Matthias and others:
Gentlemen: In reply to your circular, dated 18th
inst have TO make the fslOwing statement:
Having been sent from this county as member
of the Lecompton Constitutional Convention, | at
tended its first meeting. The question of submit
ting the Constitution to the people at once pri-
vately discussed, and am satisfied that majority
of the members were opposed to such course, but
before any vote was taken upon this point an ad-
iournment was had and was absent for few days
after the re-assembng of the Convention.
Soon alter my arrival the question of submission
was again talked about John Calhoun, President
of the Convention approached me with the remark
that he understood that | was In favor of submit
ting the Constitution to the people told him was.
He then invited me to a conference OF those favor
ing that measure at bis room in the evening. at
tended the caucus but when the plan OF pTtdl SUD
mission the plan finally adopted, was advocated and
generally sustained, | informed them that | could
not support such plan and withdrew.
The question next arose in the Convention, and
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1860-10-12
MI Bell Crawling on to our platform.

The Patriot, speaking Of a recent speech Of Mr.,
Cushing, the President of the Convention that nomi
mated BRECKENRIDGE and LANE, says, He deems il
more honorable and more just to deal candidly and
fairly and therefore places Mr. Bel aud lir BrecEin
ridge Substantially upon The same platform" We en-
phaslze the language Of the Petrot. We had thought
that Mr. BELLS friends would not consider it very
honorable just. candid and fair for the Democracy
to say that Mr.. BELL was substantially upon the
same platform with Mr. BRECKNRInGE. We might
have been charged with wrongfully accusing Mr.
baLL OF entertaining disnion sentiments. Crawl or
Ar. BELL. Be 1,r, tl,s,, ,,,,-e-
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1860-10-12

therefore both rejected, and the vote taken up
on the main question and every Democratic Senator
except Douglas and Pugh, voted for it, and not only
this but KENNEDY and CRITTENDEN are recorded
voting for It, So that every Southern Senator, in
solid body, declared that the platform upon which
Breckenridge and Lane are presented to the people
is in perfect accordance with the Constitution in this
respect.
But am wearying your readers and so Will de-
sst with the only further remark that the Senator
was listened to patiently and atentyely as well as
cheerfully by the Bell men who were present in
large numbers.
By the way, we have promise of interesting times
during our Eastern Division Fair which is to COM
mence at this place on the 10th inst Not only are
we to have unusual attractions upon the FAN
Grounds in the way of an exhibition, bupGen. Lane
is to be with US and as Opposition friends per
sist in the purpose of political speaking on each
night, the Democrats will have their speakers and
are consequently expecting ToOmbs of Georgia,
Judge, of Alabama, Nigfall, of Texas, and Cover
nor Wise. of Virginia. Should they all be here to
meet generous chiyalrous, noble Joe Lane upon
that occasion the people of East Tennessee will have
the opportunity of hearing such speeches as they
never listened to before. EAST TENSESSEE.
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1860-10-12
Reply OF James Doniphan.


To Messrs Emory, Matthias and Others:
GentS-Your catechism of the 18th is before me,
and in reply will say that never saw, at or about
the time of which you speak, any letter from Doug
las to any one but at the time when the question
before the Convention as to whether the Constitu-
ton should be submitted to the people or sent d.
recty to Congress, Mr.. Calhoun informed me, to-
gether with others, that he had authority from Mr..
Douglas to saw that unless the Constitution sub
mitted to the people of the Territory it would have
no support North and had no chance to be adopted.
In answer to your second question, state above
that Calhoun informed me that he had received a
letter from Mr. Douglas, but he never spoke of there
being any plan foreshadOwed in 1t for submission,
only said at the time l refer to above, when the
question was submission non-submisslUn, that
Douglas sand it would have to 60 to the people and
get their Endorsement, before it would have any
chnace in Congress. By way of explanation will
state that | attended the caucus held with closed
doors. at the Office of John Calhoun three nights,
when this mOmentOus question of ptnn or form Of
submission canvassed during those three even
ings. saw no letter from Mr.. Douglas with plan
in it, or suggestions of a plan or indeed, any let
ter from Douglas This plan. if 1t had been sug-
gested by Mr.. Douglas, certainly coming from so
high authority, would have been spoken OF at the
opening OF the meeting, whereas the plan that was
finally adopted by the Convention did not present
itself, think till the third evening Whereit came
from know not perhaps from the Administration
itself; maybe from the fertile imagination OF the
General When that proposition was fairly before
the caucus LETT 1t, and know nothing more Of it
until it came up for final adoption, when | voted
against it, and never did indOrse it. To the third
question, heard of no plan OF submission from Mr..
Douglas except spoken Of above, to-wit: the
Constitution to the people.
Yours. respectfully, JAS. DONLPHAN.
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1860-10-12

KANSAS CITY, Sept 81 1860.
Mr.. +. Emory and otherS-Gents: Yours of the
18th Is before me, and its contents duly considered
In answer to the first inquiry: At no time have
ever seen the letter referred to-
In answer to the second inquiry: can state posi-
lively that John Calhoun informed me, on the night
that the submission caucus met IN this Office after
had submitted the proposition, finally adopted by
the Convention that he was informed by letter from
Mr. Douglas, that if that plan adopted, he would
give it his hearty support. 1t was clearly the i'm
preston as far as could learn, that Judge Douglas
was with u.s. and for the plan.
Respectfully, your Obedient servant,
O. c. STEWART.
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1860-10-12
Mr.. Douglas in the South.

We learn that .ir. DOUGLAS Is soon to make a tour
IN the South. 1t is said that he will be in our city
on the 10th. Since the result in Indiana. Pennsvl
,',A ana ONO. II seems to Us, though we are not OF
Inc DOUGLAS faith that his duty to his party and to
the country II he really desires the defeat Of LIN
coin requires that he should exert his every ener-
gy in the Northern States, There is no danger that
any Southern State will 60 for LINCOLN. and the
dread probabilities ola Black Republican triumph
have given to the winds the electioneering cry of
dsuRion in the event oc toe election of BREcKry-
r,r8gr and Lane
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1860-10-12
Correspondence Between the President
and Members of the Association,

LEAvENwORTH CITY, Aug. %, 1860.
DANIEL scully Esq, VIM G. Matthias, and Fred Emory
Esq.
Gentlemen: The report has been current about
here for long time that Mr.. Douglas course upon
the Lecompton Consultation was far from being
such as represented to the public eye 1t seems to
me that if there has been duplicity or intrigue
his part this subject, the facts should be shown
in this Territory and to citizens in our neighbor-
hood. If his conduct has been such as persistent
it has been, it is due to the Democratic
PARKWAY, TO the whole country, that ms falseness
should be published to the world.
Understanding that you are possessed of some in
formation touching this matter, l beg that you will
communicate to me- as President of the Democratic
Association of Leavenworth, such knowledge as
you may have relating thereto. l have no hesita-
ton in saying that my purpose in addressing youis
to procure a more extended inquiry, if the facts
should warrant it, and trust that bearing this in
mind, you will aid me all in your power TO direct
the investigation.
am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
LEWIS BURNES
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1860-10-12
Reply of Fred. Emory.

LEAvENwoKTH CRY, K T.. Aug rs, 1860.
Col. LEWIS BURNEs-Su: Your note of inquiry OF
25th inst is before me- and in reply have to state,
that during the residence of Gen. Calhoun IN TINS
Territory and up to the time of his death, we were
upon the most friendly, and | may say, lntlmate
terms. was not however, at Lecompton during
the session of the Convention, nor do | know any
thing of the action of its members, except from re-
port. But shortly after the adjournment OF the
Convention met General Calhoun at Weston, Mo-,
and discussed with him the propriety OF submitting
the ecomnton Constitution in its then form. He r.
Calhoun then assured me that the Constitution could
not possibly pass Congress in any other shape the
plan of submission was the pet measure OF the Hon,
Stephen A. Douglas, and that he had assurance of
the earnest support of the Constitution IN private
letter from the Honorable Senator Feeling thus
convinced by General Calhoun, voted for and sup
ported the Constitution.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FRED. EMORY.
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1860-10-12

did address a letter to Mrs. Calhoun, and in re
Spouse letter was addressed to Oliver DiefendoFf,
Esq, of Leavenworth City, by one of her children.
This letter saw and had in my own hands, and in
substance it stated that Mrs. Calhoun had already
been offered the sum of two thousand dollars for the
letter in question: and that she hestated to part with
it. on account of reasons of her own which l shall
not repeat l suggested to Mr.. Diefendorf (Mrs.
Calhouns brotherinlaw) to advise her to hold on to
it, as it had become important political document
What became of the letter | am not prepared to
say. Yours, truly, &c, WIN. G. MATTHIAS.
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1860-10-12

The land will Be sold credit Of two three and four
years. with approved security, and payable
bearing the purchsse money from das said
will be required 70 Be paid annually.
The negroes viii be sold in families credit Of and
and such security will be acceptable
LucuS W. Polk myself which will be made
proposing purchase The will Re sold public
" unless previously disposed Of the 2sth December
The Cattle Hogs ProVender, Farming Implements,
&C. will be sold credit OF twelve menths win interest
from date.
further particulars application be made to Lueus
Geo. w. Polk, near the premises, or 70 me Address
MRS. RC4Us &. POLK,
Oct. II, 5o-d,tHEElm Florence, AlaosmE-
NAShviIls BGnHr, Memphis Appeal, and LouiIVs Journal
liz sAr.rff
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1860-10-12
Circular OF Committee and Answers
Thereto.

LEAvExwoRrH Cry, K. T., Sept. 49, 1860.
Sir: The Democratic Association of Leavenworth
being informed that the course publicly pursued by
Stenhen A. Douglas in regard to the LecOmptOn
Constitution is inconsistent with advice privately
given to his particular friends in this Territory
which advice controlled their actons-have thought
proper to appoint the undersigned Committee to
investigate the facts
They need not refer to the mOmentOus issues now
before the country to advise you Of the Importance
of this inquiry. The integrity of the Democratic
party-nay, the permanently of the Union itself, are
involved in the contest now going on. We, there
fore, make DO apology for addressing you the fol-
lowing inquiries, and request that you Will answer
them at your very earliest convenience:
lst Did you not. before or during the session
of the Lecompton Constitutional Convention, or
after the adjournment of the same, see letter ad-
dressed TO John Calhoun President of said Conven-
ton or to any one else by Mr.. Douglas in which he
MIR Dougas) suggested the plan of submission
which was adopted by said Convention, or signify
that such plan of submission would meet his ap-
proval?
: 3D. Did not John Calhoun the. President of the
| Lecompton Convention, inform you that letter
had been received from Mr. Douglas, in which was
| foreshadowed a plan of submission, and was not
the plan finally adopted the same that was under
| stood to be the plan of Mr.. Douglas?
Sd. Did you or not in conversation with Mr.. Cal
houn. or with any one. whose political and personal
relations towards Mr.. Douglas and Mr.. Calhoun au-
thorize belief that such person spoke authOrlta-
lively learn that plan of submission had been indi
Gated by Mr. Douglas and not understood that If
the plan thus indicated was adopted he Mr Douglas)
would support and sustain 1t in Congress
| 4th Aside of these questions thus formally put
| we solicit from you any information touching the
object of these inquiries, which you may have in
| your power to communicate
We beg leave to inform you that a copy of these
interrOgator1es has been addressed TO each member
of the Lecompton Convention, and that copies have
| also been sent TO a number of other gentlemen be-
leved to possess valuable knowledge in this cOnnec
| ton.
Please address your reply to the undersigned
Chairman of this Committee, Leavenwor<h City
Kansas Territory.
FRED EMORY, Chairman
WIN. G. MATTHIAS,
p. DYER,
DANIEL SCULLY
Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1860-10-12
ELECTION RETURNS.
How Ihe Ladies haV Voted on the SEWN
Machine Question,

How the Ladies haV e Voted on the Sewing
Machine Question,
As all parties manufacturing Sewing Machines
obliged to pay E Howe. Jr., fee for each Ma
chine sold. and also compelled to make quarter
y returns to him under oath. the number sold, his
books give a correct statement Of the actual number
disposed Of
He reports from January lst up to November lss
1859:
Wheeler & Wilson. q ,3O6
Grover & Baker. Observation-Disclosures. 10 ,2S0
Showing gain in favor Of the Wheeler &
Wilson Machine of ..................II,O2 ops
That's the way the ladies are going "to a n"
OctI2d2M