Buchanan, James (1791-1868) to James William Denver
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04695 Author/Creator: Buchanan, James (1791-1868) Place Written: Washington, D. C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 March 1858 Pagination: 6 p. : envelope : free frank ; 20.4 x 16 cm. Order a Copy
Writing as President of the United States, Buchanan congratulates Denver, Governor of the Kansas Territory, on his excellent standing with the Territory's citizens. States that the issue of admitting Kansas to the Union will be addressed the following week by the Senate and House of Representatives. Declares that the defeat of the Lecompton Bill, admitting Kansas as a slave state, "would alarm the fears of the Country for the union, reduce the value of property, and injuriously interfere with our reviving trade." Reports that Georgia and Alabama will hold state conventions if Kansas is admitted (to discuss possible secession). Marked private and confidential.
Private & Confidential
Washington City 27 March 1858
My dear Sir /
It gratifies me to learn from different sources that you stand so well with the people of Kansas of all parties. Had you been sent there at first instead of Walker the territory would have been in a much more quiet condition than it is at present.
In the House, - the question of the admission of Kansas, under the Lecompton Constitution will probably be decided next week. Both parties hope for success; but fear defeat. My own opinion is that it will pass; but I do not speak with confidence. The Public is lured even ad nauseam with the Kansas agitation. The defeat of the Bill would alarm the fears of the Country for the Union, reduce the value of property & injuriously interfere with our reviving trade. You are doubtless aware of the fact that upon the defeat of the Bill, the Governors of Georgia & Alabama are required by existing Legislation to cause an election of Delegates to a State Convention to be held for the purpose of determining what course they shall pursue, in case Kansas should be refused admission into the Union,under the Lecompton Constitution. I quote from the Resolutions of Alabama.
The Southern people say, - the Free State men have now got every thing in Kansas their own way, - they have a large majority of the Legislature, - the right of the people is recognised to change & reform their Constitution at pleasure, - if they desire to abolish Slavery, which now exists there under the Constitution of the United States & the Dred Scott decision, the admission of the State is the speediest mode by wh. it can be accomplished. If say they Congress will not admit a State whose Constitution contains Slavery under all these favorable circumstances, it is vain for them to expect that they will ever admit a bonafide Slave State.
I have no doubt you will do your best to inaugurate the new Government, should the Bill pass, in peace 6 in a manner satisfactory to the people. There will be several important offices to bestow; & in the selection of officers I shall be very miich guided by your advice. The best & most influential men ought to be''selected. A great trust
has been confided to you; & should you prove successful in executing it, which I pray heaven you may, you will deserve the gratitude of your Country & make for yourself a historical nale. I shall send Mr. Walsh's nomination to the Senate as Secretary of the Territory on Monday next.
Kansas cannot be admitted into the Union for a long time to come if this be not done under the Lecompton Constitution. The proceedings there to frame a second constitution whilst the first is pending will not be regarded. Should Mr. Crittenden's amendment prevail, which is highly improbable, what will be the result.,
1. An election on the Lecompton Constitution.
2. Should this be rejected by the people, then the
Territorial Legislature will not meet till January 1859; & it is not possible, I presume, that a Constitution could be framed & the State admitted before 3 March '59. This could not be accomplished 'until some time in the year 1860: & in the mean time what will become oflthe material interests
of Kansas? They will be the sport & the capital of the Black Republicans in the Presidential election of 1860.
California has come out nobly in suppprt of the Kansas policy of the admin[istration] as you will see by the enclpsed. The Resolutions doubt-less passed the Senate by an equally large proportionate majority on the day the Steamer left.
With sentiments of warm regard, I reMain very respectfully
Your friend
James Buchanan
Hon. J. W. Denver
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