James Buchanan.
Before the following letters were written, Mr. Polk’s nomination to the Presidency had occurred.
[FROM MRS. CATRON.[[77]]]
Nashville, July 4, 1844.
Dear Sir:—
I have received your kind letter of the 23d of June, and I feel a just appreciation of the compliment, in being selected from the number of your many fair and accomplished friends, as the companion of your solitude. I know “it is not good for man to be alone,” and if you could but take time to remember the sage advice I have often given you to the contrary of such an unchristian and vain attempt, you would now be basking in the charms of some blooming widow, and not be driven to the humble necessity of seeking stray rays of comfort from the “old head on young shoulders” of other men’s wives. As, however, you are brought to the sad predicament—and strange to say, I am but little better off during the court,—and as nothing I just now think of affords me more pleasure than to add a crumb of support to your forlorn condition by boarding with you next session of Congress, and as Mr. Catron is the most generous of husbands to risk such dangerous associations, he will write to Mr. Carroll to engage us a house.
N. B.—The court and Congress now meet at the same time, and Polk runs for President only once—positively only once—and all anti-annexation men are dead and buried. So I think, and that you know is law to you, as in Miss Gardiner’s case, of whose ambitious aspirations I don’t believe one word. In conclusion, permit me to say that on this occasion I have availed myself of your once offered kindness of the liberty of speech.
Most truly your friend,
M. Catron.
The Hon. James Buchanan.