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Amos Kendall to MVB, 29-30 April 1844

My Dear Sir,

Your letter upon Texas has created great commotion. The Tylerites and a portion of the Calhoun men are using their utmost exertions to have you superseded. Every honest enemy now comes out and the utmost zeal is put in requisition. We are now realizing the points of the exasperation produced on many men early in the canvass, by needless violence. Men who have no power now so are able to put in motion those who have.

I was so much annoyed at the House today that I was glad to get away. The Mississippians seem to be the hottest; but there are many with them. They declare against every body who is not for immediate annexation.

I talked with Redding of NH. and Owen of La whom I found to be firm and true. A few days, I trust, will bring fair weather. Out of this atmosphere your position must be approved. Indeed, those who condemn, cannot tell why.

It is unfortunate that your Letter had not been held up until the Tyler men &c had made their attacks upon Clayits it is, you step in just in time to take the fire which would have been spent upon him, while he will go almost unscathed, although much the greatest offender.

I am much obliged by the kindness of your letter. Your son is here, but I have not seen him. If he brought your letter I must regret I did not know it before it was handed over.

My private affairs are not comfortable, not from absolute destitution of property, but because what I have is unavailable. My farm here will soon be sold under foreclosure of the mortgage for the purchase money. All I shall probably attempt will be to get some friends to bid it up so as to avoid ruinous loss. I hope

April 30. I was not short yesterday and had no time to finish for the mail.

A number of the Texas members had a meeting last night, but I do not learn that they came to any definite resolution. You will have seen Mr. Benton's letter of this morning. I am a croaker still—I wish he had not published such a letter at any rate just now. It is another blow and a needless one at men already exasperated. In tone, language and substance it is offensively egotistical, and in some respects not accurate. Mr. Clay & Mr. Clay's friends in general were as much opposed to the treaty of 1819 as Mr. Benton, nor was it a silent opposition.

I learnt with susprize last evening that your son was gone: I was very anxious to see him.

Clay was in the capitol today. Had he been in the House he would have heard the old bargain business hashed up in fine style by Linn Boyd in reply to White. A frog in the fable is John White, and the frog's fate awaits him. Boyd's effort has gained general applause as well for its manner as its matter. He was perfectly cool and decorous, at the same time bearing about an air of firmness which indicated that he was not to be bullied with impunity. He was the more self-possessed from an impression that Clay's friends had set out with an intention to bully and from a determination not to be bullied.

J.Q. Adams sat and listened with great complacency to a recapitulation of his old relations with Clay.

I do not mix much with the members of Congress and you probably have more accurate and prompt channels of communication; but I shall take the liberty for a few days occasionally to communicate what I hear.

With enduring regard

Your friend

Amos Kendall

Source: DLC Library of Congress
Collection: MVB Papers (DLC)
Series: Series 12 (5 March 1841-31 December 1844)