National Republican., 1875-07-13
An Autograph Letter of John c. Calhoun.

CFrom the N. o. Republican,
1t happens that we have access to an old au-
tograph letter of John c. Calhoun, written
when he was Secretary of War under the ad-
ministration of President Monroe. 1t is inter-
esting for two reasons. 1t shows that Presi-
dent at that time could pledge himself to pro-
vide for an honest and unfortunate man, as
well as he may do at the present. 1t proves
that Mr.. Calhoun was a jealous Republican,
a supporter of the Union, that he had dis
trusted the Unionism of New England, and
rejoiced that he was returning to the Republi-
can and Union fold. We publish the letter, of
the authenticity of which we have no doubt.
The name of the gentleman to whom 1t was
addressed is reserved, though we may say that
he was Republican of great personal worth,
and was subsequently Governor of one of the
Southern Territories:
WAR DEPARTMENT, October 22, 1920
MY DEAR SIR: l most sincerely sympathize
with you on that reverse of fortu une which you
have made known to me in your two last let
ters. The calamity of the times appears to be
such to the West that but few will entirely es-
cape the severe visitation. Yet In your case it
must be a source of much consolation that it
has been brought on you not by imprudent
speculation, or by living beyond your means,
but by generous confidence in others. As
soon as the President returned to the city
brought your case before him, and can ven-
ture to say that he feels a lively interest in
your favor, of which on the first suitable occa-
sion he will give you substantial proof. He
fully confides in your talents and integrity, and
feels that your claim is increased by your re-
verses. In the meantime he is not aware of
any vacancy in the West which would suit you,
and he desires me to say TO you that he de-
sires you, should any vacancy occur which
would suit you, to communicate your wish in
relation to It.
/ have had long and very agreeable ex-
cursion to the North. The country through
which 1 passed is, I presume, surpassed by
very few. The interior of New York, taking
1t all in all, is an admirable country. In New
England I was much gratifed to find that
since my residence there formerly there has
been a great increase of attachment to our
republican institutions. We have no foreign
news except such as you have seen detailed in
the public prints. ..
To return to yourself, you are young and
with an excellent constitution, and with your
talents and experience will readily, with
proper exertion, reclaim your affairs. You
must not, therefore, despair, or permit your
self to take any hasty><esolution. Continue
vigorously the pursuit in which you are en-
gagged till a favorable opportunity offers still
to do better yourself. 1t Is said TO be easy to
advise those in misfortune, but am sure you
win not set down my suggestions to q cold
lecturing morality, but sincere desire to see
you prosper.
With great respect and esteem, am,
j. G. CALHOUN.
We commend this autograph letter to our
New England compatriots who are to cele-
brate the centennial. When they greet South
Carolina on that occasion we hope they will
return the compliment of Mr.. Calhoun more
than half century before, and express their
Al T.
crease of attachment to our republican institu-
TONS" ..r~