Buchanan, James, 1791-1868 to Committee of Philadelphians re: defending his actions as President
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07124 Author/Creator: Buchanan, James, 1791-1868 Place Written: Wheatland, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1867/03/23 Pagination: 4 p. : + 2 docs Height: 20.6 cm, Width: 16 cm Order a Copy
Written to a Committee, including among others "Asa Packer, Owen Jones, John Cadwalader, Samuel Smith, G. Fox, Andrew Craig, Hiester Clymer and many others." Buchanan, declining an invitation to a public political dinner in Philadelphia, demonstrates his sensitivity to criticism for his administration and concludes with a heartfelt admonition to uphold the Constitution. He is pleased that the Philadelphia committee observed that he is the "last survivor of the 'American statesmen of the olden time -- the only living contemporary of Webster and Clay and Benton and Calhoun.'" He also thanks them for (quoting them) "your opinion 'that no responsibility for the years of blood and sorrow... rest on me who tried... to do my duty under the Constitution.' Proceeding as this does from a large number of my fellow citizens... may I not indulge the hope that you but anticipate the general sentiment of future times?" He concludes: "Adhere steadily to the Constitution of your Country. Exert all your power and influence in disseminating & enforcing its general principles...: and employ the same untiring energy in exposing and condemning every departure from its precepts. Never despair: for the time will surely come when these shall triumph and control the administration of the Government." Accompanied by a letter to Buchanan from the Pennsylvania Citizens, 27 February 1867, 1.5 p. and a contemporary transcript of this letter.
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