Buchanan, James (1791-1868) to James W. Wall re: Johnson's failed veto of the Civil Rights Act
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00576 Author/Creator: Buchanan, James (1791-1868) Place Written: Wheatland, [Penn.] Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 26 December 1866 Pagination: 2 p. 21 x 16 cm Order a Copy
Attacking Radical Republicans, whom he sees as self-destructive. Also discusses strengthening the Democrats in New Jersey
Wheatland 26 December 1866.
My dear Sir,
I have read your favor the 19th Instant with the interest I always feel from your letters. I am sorry I cannot agree with you in some of the opinions you express; but am not inclined to enter into any argument to contest their accuracy. I do not believe that "our system of Government is gone never to be restored." On the contrary I think that the extreme violence and the arbitrary & unconstitutional measures [inserted: past & proposed] of the present Congress will eventually destroy the Republican party. Our people are not prepared for a despotism. You [struck: are] now occupy a position in which your acknowledged abilities may be exerted with powerful effect in restoring their political vision. Your name & your character point you out as the man in New Jersey who can do very much for your Country at the present crisis. I pray you go to work and by [2] adopting all honorable means, place yourself in the head of the Conservative party in your state. I know you can do it if you will by prudent efforts. The Democracy have a great work before them [struck: for the present] and ought not impair their [inserted: present & [struck: future] influence by mutual recrimination in regards to the past. Providence seems to have opened the way for you; & all you have to do is to walk herein. I wish you God speed! How much delighted I should be to receive a letter from you stating your determination to pursue this course! You will have some obstacles to encounter in the beginning but these you can easily overcome by patience & perseverance.
The party [inserted: in New Jersey] are as much in need of you as you are of them & this they would discover. When you read this you may say what right has Buchanan to obtrude his advice upon me? I answer the right of [struck: an] your father's friend & your own friend, as well as the privilege of old age. I am now in my 76th year; but thank God! still enjoy tolerably good health.
Your friend
very respectfully
James Buchanan
Hon: James W. Wall
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