The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1877-08-24
A Political "Reminiscences.

The following is letter from Martin
Van Buren, to Charles Francis Adams,
read by the latter at the reunion of the
Old-Line Abolitionists and Free Sellers,
at Downer's Landing, near Boston, on
the 9th instant. Mr.. Adams stated that
this letter substantially ratified and con-
frmed Mr.. Van Buren's former declara-
tons and policy, which practically cost
him the Democratic nomination for the
Presidency, which went to Gen. Lewis
in Mr.. Van Buren's life when he so far
forgot himself as to be decided and ex-
picit III the enunciation of his views
proved to be the greatest misfortune in
his personal career, and wrecked the
hopes which he entertained for second
term in the Presidential office:
MR.. VAN BURES's LETTER.
CONFIDENTIAL. a.ut
LINDENwAID, July "a, l84S.
My DEAR STR have received your letter,
and, although You do not desire an answer, L
cannot. in justice TO my feelings, refrain from
expressing the satisfaction have derived from
its good sense, liberal and manly spirit. Ii has
afforded me much pleasure to find that you at
least. understand what il is SO difficult TO make
most people comprehensive involuntary
character OF the relation which l occupy TO the
public So far was l from deserving to be
candidate for the Presidency that 1t would
have required other and stronger considera-
tons than those which were then presented TO
me to have prevented me from declining the
offer itself If those who asked me to be a can
didate had possessed the power of placing it at
my disposal. When the letter, which is III part
the subject of your appreciation, and In all OF
fair criticism was written, nothing could have
been further from my mind than that it
would be considered by the public in connec-
ton with my present position. You VIII see by
the terms OF the letter addressed TO me by the
New York delegation that they were well
appraised of the character OF my resolution
upon one Of the points OF their address. All
that they had hight 10 expect was an unre-
served expression OF my opinions upon other
questions they presented, and this gave them
with pleasure. Most OF the prominent men III
the convention, who were sincerely DESTROYS OF
respecting my known wishes, lost control OF Its
movements in regard 10 the nominations after
the reading of my letter, and the result Is
known TO all. Although brought before the
country in this unexpected aud extraordinary
manner, il did not require much reflection TO
satisfy me that the course l have adopted was
the only one that was open to me, and TO
that will, of course, adhere. This matter will
be found more fully noticed in letter from
me to the Industrial Congress recently assem-
bled III Philadelphia, which will appear III the
EVENING POSt OF tomorrow. In tnat nave
also set forth after full consideration the
course / design to pursue in regard 10 any
further exposition of my views upon public
questions. Ny reasons for adopting it are
given as fully as the limits Of such document
will permit. They will, l hope, be satisfactory
to many, but, whether they are or not l shall
feel myself constrained to adhere to the posi-
ton have taken. 1t can, under existing cir
cumstances, be scarcely necessary to say that If
any of our friends think that they can give
more effect TO their principles upon the main
subject by taking course different from that
to which your own feelings seem inclined, or
if it would for any reasons be more agreeable
TO them to do so, their conduct i'll the matter
will not be disagreeable TO me in any sense.
Ny sohcitude has been, not to get nominations,
but to keep clear OF them, and nothing can be
done at Buffalo that is founded on good sense
and looks in good faith TO the Advancement of
the great principles l hold sacred which will
cause me either regret or modification. L have
marked this letter confidential because l have
received a vast number of communications
upon the same subject, which / am compelled
to leave unanswered as / have done, believe,
III every case except yours, and desire to avoid
giving offense, as far as l can. The views it
takes do not hesitate TO express To all who
desire TO understand them. While, therefore,
reasonable caution is observed in regard to the
fact of our correspondence, / shall be content
that you speak of my opinions and dispositions
a. you now understand them. i am very re-
spectfully yours, NJ. VAN buren,.
Charles Francis Adams, Esq.