Welles, Gideon, 1802-1878 to Francis Preston Blair
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02184 Author/Creator: Welles, Gideon, 1802-1878 Place Written: Hartford, Connecticut Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 August 1856 Pagination: 3 p. : envelope ; 24.8 x 19.7 cm. Order a Copy
Praises a letter Blair wrote, published in a newspaper (possibly the New York Evening Post). Has confidence that "we shall succeed in electing Fremont," referring to John C. Fremont's candidacy in the 1856 Presidential election. Compares the popular element of the 1856 election to that of 1828, "which brought in the glorious old hero we all loved so well" (Andrew Jackson). Praises Blair and his sons, especially Francis Jr., for "the fidelity, courage, and ability with which you have maintained the great right under every combination of circumstances." Criticizes Martin Van Buren and Colonel Benton (possibly Senator Thomas Hart Benton) for "turning away from old principles and old friends... we now witness our old associates falling away from faith and good works..." Remarks that Benton is doing what he can to aid the nullifiers and defeat Fremont. Discusses James Buchanan, also a Presidential candidate: "While the Buchanans are afraid to meet the true issues and would evade the question of extending slavery and the troubles in Kansas, they find it impossible to get up any enthusiasm for Buchanan. The feeling towards him is as cold as his own heart."
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