Buchanan, James, 1791-1868 to Isaac Wayne
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05790 Author/Creator: Buchanan, James, 1791-1868 Place Written: St. Petersburg, Russia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 July 1833 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 25.3 x 20.1 cm. Order a Copy
Buchanan writes as United States Minister to Russia to Colonel Wayne. Relates that he has enjoyed his time in Russia, but will never be "contented to remain under the shadow of despotism longer than my duty to my country requires." Notes his rapid conclusion of a commercial treaty has induced President Jackson to summon him back to the United States. Commenting on Russia, notes "The mass of the people are slaves attached to the soil. A nobleman, in speaking of his estate never refers to the number of his acres; but always to the number of his peasants... no proper means are taken to improve the minds of the lower classes by education, & thus to qualify them for liberal institutions." Praises the Emperor Nicholas I and his wife Charlotte of Prussia (Alexandra Fyodorovna), noting they have reformed the conduct of the Court following the reign of the "magnificent and voluptuous" Catherine the Great. Writes, "I hope that our Country has passed through its days of peril... The success of our exampled is the last hope of freedom upon earth." Mentions the death of John Randolph, previous Minister to Russia. Refers to mutual acquaintances. Free franked by Daniel Brent, Acting Secretary of State.
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