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."
Welles served at several political posts in the State of Connecticut before establishing the Hartford Evening Press newspaper in 1856, a Republican organ. He was Secretary of the Navy under President Abraham Lincoln. Blair edited the Washington Globe during Andrew Jackson's presidency. In the early 1850s, he was instrumental in organizing the Republican Party. Buchanan won the election of 1856. Thomas Hart Benton (1782-1858) was a career Democrat who was an influential Senator from Missouri. He was also John C. Fremont's father-in-law. Though Benton was moderate, unionist, and against slavery, he was extremely loyal to the Democratic party and supported Buchanan over Fremont.
[excerpts] [draft]
...I returned to day from New York where I have been spending the week with our friends from different states, doing what I could...Every thing is looking very well, and I have strong confidence that we shall succeed in electing Fremont...But we have a good cause and the...instincts...of the people with us. The uprisings of the popular element are much like that of 1828, which brought in the glorious old hero...
...I cannot express to you, my dear Sir, my admiration of and gratitude to yourself and sons, and particularly to Frank, for the fidelity, courage and ability with which you have maintained...
..It has been a sad and melancholy spectacle to all of us, when we now witness our old associates falling away from faith and good works...I thank God that such lights as you are guiding our faith...
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