Welles, Gideon, 1802-1878 to William S. Holabird

Discusses Connecticut politics. Believes that a man named Asa Child will again try to get his name on the Central Committee by the Democratic convention. Warns Holabird to guard against this as Child " ... is an artful fellow, and will make use of means to fortify himself and weaken his opponents that some men would not suspect." Comments on the nullification issue, "Great efforts are making by the nullifiers to alienate the South from the administration. In Virginia I think it likely they have had some success ... " States that the administration must take a firm stance or else "they may find themselves losers." Mentions the positions of Henry Clay and John Calhoun. "Clay & Calhoun are rallying their forces, and, believing that they can carry, one New England, and the other the South, appear confident of success." Goes on to say that both are probably overly confident as Clay is losing ground in New England and Calhoun will not be able to unite the South. Ends by stating that it is of utmost importance to him that the Connecticut administration stays in Democratic hands. "I hope that you will have an eye to matters and things at home. It is of the first importance in any point of view that the state administration is preserved in democratic hands, and that a strict and systematic party organization is kept up. That, and that alone, will save us from the arts and encroachments of federalism …"