Fillmore denies being associated with abolitionism or being unfriendly to the South. He denies he ever held "any desire" to "interfere with the rights or what is termed the property of citizens of other States."
Kinney relates to Stuart legal matters in Staunton, the election of "Mr. Toms" to "cashier," the upcoming appointment for "Marshall for the Western District of Virginia." Also asks about rumor he heard that Stuart was contemplating buying a farm near Washington, D. C.
Fillmore invites Stuart to accompany him on a tour of the South, then discusses the Kansas-Nebraska Act which he thinks will be passed by the Senate, although he fears the consequences.
Alexander H. H. Stuart comments to Rev. Brownlow about politics in Tennessee and around the nation. He notes that the Democratic party as the party of the "slavery-extension party" and the "black Republican party" as the "slavery-limitation" party had created "irreconcilable antagonism." He concluded, the "dissolution of the union must inevitably follow." Luckily, he observes "there is a third party which has unfurled the flag of the Constitution & the union & appeals to the patriotic & conservative sentiment of the country." Please note that this letter is not included in the searchable letters.
J. E. B. Stuart asks Alexander H. H. Stuart to arrange a loan of $2,000 so he can speculate in land out in Kansas and "make a handsome fortune."
Kinney discusses investments in the railroad and national political matters, such as "the course pursued by Mr. President in relation to the Boston Mob."
Haven discusses Virginia politics, predicting that Stuart will help lead the Virginia State Legislature in "Open Warfare" between the "Wise & Hunter factions."
Kinney reports Virginia state senate race results and asks Stuart to write a few essays for publication on "the subject of the Tariff."
Luckett describes in detail Tennessee and Alabama, noting the political excitement in them.
Oscar Stuart's letter to Alexander Stuart conveys very poetic sentiment regarding the death of Alexander's son and the nature of human suffering. He also asks Alexander to relate what he knows about Oscar's two grandfathers on the Stuart side, so that he may confirm the family's stories about their exploits in the Revolutionary War. Oscar Stuart then writes at length about "sectionalism" in Virginia and the poor state of national politics in general.
Sargent praises recent "articles" of Stuart's in Whig newspapers, discusses the issue of slavery in relation to national politics and the upcoming presidential election.
Sargent discusses ex-Whig hopes to nominate a candidate for the 1860 presidential election in hopes of influencing the Republican's selection of a candidate in the race. Sargent also discusses the political effects of Brown's raid at Harper's Ferry, and asks for Stuart's opinions on the matters.
Rives responds to letter from Stuart and reports a "vague fear" in his area after Lincoln's election. Rives proposes that Virginia confer with "other states" about the crisis and discusses the issue of Lincoln's cabinet appointments.
Alexander H. H. Stuart writes to his daughter, Frances Peyton Stuart, concerning the secession convention and a recent visit by Fanny's aunt and the Misses Peyton. He speculates as to who will be elected to represent Augusta County in the secession convention.
M. Powell hopes that Virginia will not secede from the Union. He urges Stuart to work toward the passage of an amendment similar to Crittenden's and believes that other states would follow Virginia's lead. Please note that this letter is not included in the searchable letters.
Alexander H. H. Stuart laments the current political situation where "it is almost impossible for either of the parties now to unite on any man." He asks about home and his family.
E. Stuart writes to her son about inheritance and debt. She also mentions relatives and acquaintances. Please note that this letter is not included in the searchable letters.
Return to the Eve of War Personal Papers
Franklin County Personal Papers: Eve of War | War Years | Aftermath
Augusta County Personal Papers: Eve of War | War Years | Aftermath
