Adams, John Quincy (1767-1848) to Joseph Blunt
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06312 Author/Creator: Adams, John Quincy (1767-1848) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 November 1832 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 25.3 x 20.3 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses an example of a British sailor executed for serving on an American ship during the war of 1812. Also discusses Andrew Jackson's election, de-emphasizing its importance, and comments that "the real difficulties of the Country are in another quarter," referring to slavery and the nullification crisis. Closes by quipping: "Van Buren seems to have got the start of Mr. Calhoun, but the whirligig of Time brings about its revenges."
Joseph Blunt Esqr. New York
Washington 27. Novr 1832
Dear Sir
There was one example of a British Subject, executed for Treason in the late War, for serving on Board of an American Privateer. An Irish Sailor I believe, who enlisted in the privateer at [Breft-Isle] might be there as a Prisoner, and perhaps never been in the United States - The Privateer was taken, and the trial and execution of this man was [attacked] with some ostentation - This is the only case of the kind within my recollection.
I am glad to find that your fears of the result of the late Elections have so much subsided; and that you are inclined to look so philosophically at the future prospects of the Country. - Setting aside the interest taken in individual persons, there was perhaps not much at stake on the Presidential Election - The real difficulties of this Country are in another quarter, and depend upon other Elections than that of the President - How General Jackson will cope with them I know not - How Mr Clay or Mr Wirt could have coped with them I am equally unable to determine - There are two ways of settling the nullification question; both very easy and to one of the two I take it for granted the Administration will resort - I wish it may be that which would settle the controversy once for all - but if not
"Tis fond to wail inevitable strokes,
As tis to laugh at them"
Mr Van Buren Seems to have got the start of Mr Calhoun, but the whirligig of time brings about its revenges -
Yours truly J. Q. Adams
[docket]
J.Q. Adams
Nov 29. 1832
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