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Tyler, John, 1790-1862 to Robert Tyler

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03671 Author/Creator: Tyler, John, 1790-1862 Place Written: Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: January 20, 1855 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; Height: 25.2 cm, Width: 20 cm Order a Copy

Written from former President Tyler's plantation, Sherwood Forest, to his son Robert. Robert transmitted a letter from Mr. Buchanan (President James Buchanan, confirmed by docket). John returns the letter, encouraging Robert to respond in a way that would give Buchanan "an epitomy of the politics of the country without denouncing any party or any man." Discusses the Crimean War, remarking that at its beginning, most Americans were on the side of the Turks (Ottoman Empire, assisted by the British and French), but because of remarks made by Lord Clarendon and various British and French newspapers, Americans worry that if the Allies are soon victorious they will interfere with American affairs. Notes that a dissolution of the Confederacy would prevent this interference. Discusses the campaign of Henry Alexander Wise for Governor of Virginia, stating "He denounces the Know nothings- and brings my administration in full stature before the people- The Democratic Press in order to sustain him has to eulogize me." Goes on to discuss Robert's financial troubles, stating "How is it that no man of my kith and kin can make, or if he makes it keep money." Sends his love to "Priscilla," Robert's wife Elizabeth Priscilla Cooper.

Tyler, John, 1790-1862
Tyler, Robert, 1816-1877
Buchanan, James, 1791-1868
Clarendon, George William Frederick Villiers, Earl of, 1800-1870
Wise, Henry Alexander, 1806-1876
Tyler, Elizabeth Priscilla Cooper, 1816-1889

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