Buchanan, James (1791-1868) to Robert Tyler
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00260 Author/Creator: Buchanan, James (1791-1868) Place Written: Wheatland, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 25 February 1850 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 26 x 21 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses the Compromise of 1850, the Wilmot Proviso, which he notes "is dead," and the issue of California statehood as it relates to slavery. Notes some of the measures that might make sectional compromise possible. Indicates his belief that Congress will pass the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. Speculates that California could be admitted along with one of the states from the land won in the Mexican War. Also writes that he has "been maturing a project for the settlement of the Slavery question." Docketed: "As to the Union Question." Marked as "Private."
Robert Tyler, son of John Tyler, was a leader in the Democratic Party of Pennsylvania and promoted the political career of James Buchanan. When the Civil War broke out, a mob attacked his home in Philadelphia, and he fled to Virginia, where he served as register of the Treasury of the Confederacy.
Private
Wheatland 25 February 1850
My dear Sir/
On my return to this place, after an absence of four weeks in Washington, I found your favor of the 25th. ultimo: and this is the reason why it has not been sooner answered.
No man at a distance from Washington can justly appreciate the condition of affairs there, nor can any person on the spot unless admitted behind the scenes. Your letter was prophetically correct. The doctrine of non-intervention, as I foresaw from the beginning, would be of no service to the South. They are now sensible of it; but the difficulty is how to retrace their steps. They have fought through a Presidential Campaign upon it: & now say that they misunderstood the Nicholson letter. I never did: & I think General Cass has fully vindicated himself on this subject.
The Wilmot Proviso is dead; - so, also, is the abolition of Slavery in the District of Columbia for the present. Congress, I believe, will pass a satisfactory law for the recovery of fugitive slaves: & I hope that Pennsylvania & the other States will repeal their unconstitutional laws on this subject. But what then? The territorial question still remains involved in [inserted: greater] difficulties [struck: as it is] [inserted: than ever] by the question of the admission of California. These may possibly be removed by the admission into the union of one of the [struck: four] [2] states provided for by the Resolution annexing Texas [struck: to the union.] The South will insist & who can blame them that if California shall be admitted all the questions [strikeout] [inserted: a] rising out of Slavery shall at the same time be settled. If they cannot obtain indemnity for the past, they will demand security for the future.
Your meeting was a noble one & will have a most happy effect from the spirit which it displayed & your speech was excellent. I received an invitation to attend it by Telegraph on the 22d Instant; but not until after the train of cars had started for Philadelphia.
I have been maturing a project for the settlement of the Slavery question; but the time is not yet. If I could be instrumental in settling this question & restoring harmony between the North & the South, I would most cheerfully bind myself never to hold another public office. Indeed about this I care very little.
When will you pay me a visit & afford me the satisfaction of giving you a cordial welcome to my peaceful abode?
From your friend
Very respectfully
Robert Tyler} James Buchanan
[docket]
Hon: James Buchanan
Wheatland Penna
Feb: 25. 1850.
As to the Union Question
&c &c
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.