Tyler, John, 1790-1862 to Robert Tyler

Tyler, former President of the United States, elaborates on the 1860 Presidential election to his son Robert. States that he discussed the election with Colonel William T. Withers of Mississippi. Expresses approval at the fusion of Stephen Douglas' and John Bells' supporters in New York, and declares "that in my view the defeat of Lincoln was the great matter at issue, and that all others were subordinate." Encloses a letter (not included) from General Foote, a Douglas supporter. Expresses his support of Presidential candidate John Cabell Breckinridge and Breckinridge's running mate Joseph Lane. Compares William Seward, who was defeated for Republican nomination by Abraham Lincoln, to the Late Roman Republican figure Cataline, one of Cicero's nemeses. Referring to the Republicans, states "I have in me hope that a defeat of the negro-men now will dissolve this party." Discusses his wheat crop and inquires as to Robert's well-being. Written from Sherwood Forest, Tyler's plantation in Virginia. Robert Tyler (1816-77) was the son of former president John Tyler. During his father's presidency, Tyler and his wife lived in the White House. He served as the president's private secretary; his wife as White House hostess. Tyler subsequently settled in Philadelphia and became the leader of Pennsylvania's Democratic party. At the outset of the Civil War, a mob attacked Tyler's home, forcing him to flee to Virginia. Tyler sided with the South, and served as registrar of the Confederate treasury. After the war, he moved to Alabama, where he edited the influential Montgomery Advisor and became active in Democratic party politics.