[TO MRS. CATRON.]
My Dear Madam:—
I sincerely thank you for having taken compassion on my forlorn and destitute condition. I can assure you that I greatly prefer the stray rays of comfort from yourself to “basking in the charms of any blooming widow” in the land. I do not like everlasting sunshine, or too much of a good thing:—and as to widows, “I’ll none of them. Comparisons are odoriferous,” as Dogberry says.
Ere this you have learned that with all your shrewdness you were mistaken. The President is the most lucky man that ever lived. Both a belle and a fortune to crown and to close his Presidential career.[[78]]
I hope you will be able to give Polk Tennessee. All appearances indicate his signal triumph in the Keystone State. His tariff letter to Kane was a good thing for us. Under the circumstances, I do not think a better nomination could have been made; and as I had the honor of being Mrs. Polk’s candidate I feel myself bound both in gallantry and in gratitude to do my best for the election of her husband.
When she becomes the lady of the White House, as I believe she will be, I shall both expect and desire to be a favorite. As to yourself you stand fair under all administrations.
Remember me most kindly to the judge, and believe me ever to be sincerely and respectfully
Your friend,
James Buchanan.