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The Dorr Letters ProjectJohn Brown Francis to Elizabeth Francis: |
Introduction
In this letter John Brown Francis informs his wife Elizabeth of his activities in Washington. Elizabeth was at home at Spring Green with their children. John Brown Francis had met with President John Tyler, with Secretary of State Daniel Webster and Senators John Calhoun of South Carolina and Levi Woodbury of New Hampshire.
Letter
Washington Sunday 10th Apl
9AM
Your letter of the 6th, my beloved friend,
reached me last might, and my heart was relieved
to find that your cold was better & that the children were
well.
The information you communicate as to Nancy is
astounding but what yr meaning is in reference to Amy
is ambiguous.
Since writing the above I have found that
I read your letter incorrectly. I thot’ you said “R thinks
Amy dreadfully tired”: and that the impression he
meant to convey was that Amy was lazy. But I should
have read tried. It seems singular if this is the
case you should now have found it out.
Past 2 PM
Mr. Potter & myself have just returned from a
call on Mr. Calhoun who is clearly with us in sentiment
as to the illegality of the People’s Constitution.
We called also this morning on Mr. Woodbury of New Hampshire
and we went for about ten minutes
to hear Maffit preach. It was all for stage
effect. He is an accomplished actor.
Last night we called on Mr. Webster.
He was out at Lord Ashburton’s but we saw his
son & the ladies of the family.
I was at the Presidents three times
yesterday & we are to have the Cabinet
answer tomorrow & expect to get away
from here either tomorrow night or on Tuesday
morning. My plan is to stop one day in Phia.
so that I shall not be at home before Thursday
or Friday – but you will hear again as to my plans.
God grant that you may
continue in health & remaining a
blessing to yr children & to
Your own first Love
JBF *
I saw Richard Bryard yesterday
Whipple has been to see his wife today & is going again this evg.
It will be necessary to plant melon seed before my return.
Questions
What was Senator John Calhoun’s view of the People’s Constitution?
Cross Reference:
See Levi Woodbury April 15, 1842 letter to Thomas Dorr