Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04501.063 Author/Creator: Darby, John C. (fl. 1850) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1854 circa Pagination: 4 p. ; 25 x 20 cm.

Summary of Content: The date is inferred from the election years in which the politicians mentioned ran for office. Discusses various political figures such as William Seward, Francis P. Blair (former Free Soiler), Lewis Kossuth, James Buchanan, Daniel Webster and Lewis Cass. Darby supports Buchanan, and opposes those who advocate abolition. He also discusses plans for railroads in Louisiana and suggest two separate lines for New Orleans. His observations on the changes occurring in the country assume a prophetic tone: "the Almighty Ruler of the Universe seems to be bringing about some great change in the affairs of mankind; & we are all working in the dark. It is to his mercy & goodness alone that we must trust. But I fear that it may turn out that as in the days of Sodom & Gomorrou [sic] there will not be found righteous men enough to save the world. The Earth was never more abandoned to vice & immorality, to infidelity & false philosophy than at this day." The first four pages of the letter are missing.

Full Transcript: Excerpt:
"you speak of Kossuth & Robt J. Walker & radical Democracy - I dont think Whiggery is much better off than Democracy - Look at Seward, F.P. Blair, & that old ...granny Gen. Scott together, with all the Free State Whigs at their backs. I put Blair with them for he is one of the free soilers now playing the game for an abolition President...In the United States, the old men of Revolutionary times & their immediate descendants have nearly all passed off - Among the Whigs Webster is the only man of sufficient ability to govern the nation who has not been contaminated...I suppose Buchanan would make the best President...But who goes for his country?...As to Kossuth, I have never had a good opinion of him; could he do as he would with Hungary to-day, he would not or could not make a republic like ours, but do as Louis Napoleon has done, make himself King....P.S. I have had some idea of writing over again my "Ohio River Plan" on the question of Slavery & sending it...for publication...."See More

People: Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Historical Era: National Expansion and Reform, 1815-1860

Subjects: PresidentPoliticsElectionGovernment and CivicsSlaveryAfrican American HistoryAbolitionRailroadTransportationReligionCorruption and ScandalMorality and Ethics

Sub Era: Age of Jackson

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