I hope yet to visit Mrs. Catron—instead of challenging each other for the sake of the chairman, we will take your advice, and share his esteem and regard between us. He being our Oregon territory, and each lady having determined not to give notice—of course the treaty of joint occupancy must remain in force. Moreover, on my side, I shall refuse arbitration, either by citizen or sovereign—and I think Mrs. Catron will be of my mind, viz., that the division of a lover’s heart is not a proper subject for interference by foreign powers. Should we ultimately find that we cannot get along with the joint occupancy, but that we are continually shouldering one another, as you, dear sir, are friendly to us both, will you give us permission to ask your advice, as to the most satisfactory mode of dividing equitably between us the heart and head of the honorable gentleman in dispute. I presume, of course, that, like the Oregon territory, he will be content with being contended for by two fair dames, without putting in one word about his own ultimate destiny.
I hope, dear Mr. Buchanan, that I have not tired your patience. I am writing in bed, and still somewhat of an invalid; separated from home, it is a source of great pleasure to write to one who has expressed so much regard for me as you have done.
Believe me always, most sincerely and gratefully,
Your obliged friend,
Sarah Mytton Maury.
Will you give my love to Mrs. Plitt, and say to her that I wished for her presence much yesterday, when Judge McLean was eulogizing the talents and virtues of the Secretary of State.
[FROM MRS. MAURY.]
Washington, Friday Morning, 10 A. M., June 10, 1846.
My Dear Mr. Buchanan:—
I would have called to see you this morning, but had so much fear of too frequently intruding on your patience that I abstained.