Letter, Willard Richards to James Arlington Bennet, 4 March 1844
Source Note
, Letter, , Hancock Co., IL, to , [, New Utrecht, Kings Co., NY]. Version drafted 4 Mar. 1844; handwriting of ; docket in handwriting of ; four pages; Willard Richards Journals and Papers, CHL.
of course, as to eve[r]y honorhighminded patriot. that those who have brought him forward should use all honorable means to sustain him in the canvass.— And if I had had not do felt disposed to to uphold him before the people, I never would have been the first to <urge> nominate him p◊◊◊t his nomination, and and during the short space, since his name has gone forth, <been published> for the presidential chair, his frinds are <have> <been> astonished at the flood of Influence, that is roling forthinhisfavor through the western states, <in his favor> and in many instances where we least might have <least> expected. it.
That Gen Smith is the greatest statesman of the19th Century I need not assert. for <what> the wisest of the wise, <admit <without affront> that Gen Smith is the greatest stateman of the 19' century.> admitthe fact without arguement, and say to the General, If I must be the President of the u then why should not the nation, andtheworld◊◊vethebe secure to themselves the his exalted <superior> talents, that they may rise st higher <& higher> in the estimation of the crownes of the Nation <and exalt themselves— through his wisdom?>
Your friend here, consider your letter about the Governorship of . just like “every men in you quarter,” mere sport.” childrenssportplay, <innocent sport> <childs sport,> for who would stoop totheinearnest, to the geme <play> of a statesingle state when the whole nation, was on the Board <on the board> ◊ a cheeper game? And I havethe inform<never to say to you that>say that I have beensaluted by you frie[n]ds in .And Gen Smith says if he must be president, must be vice President,— and <To this> his frie[n]ds are agreed.— agreed in every thing. <(and in this co◊◊◊te our power)> consequently, your name will [p. [2]]