Edwin M. Stanton.
[MR. BUCHANAN TO MR. LEIPER.]
Wheatland, near Lancaster, August 31, 1861.
My Dear Sir:—
I am sorry that any cause has prevented you from paying me a visit. I trust your kind purpose will not be long suspended. The memory of your last visit causes Miss Lane and myself to be anxious that it should be repeated. I rejoice to learn that you and yours are all in good health. May this precious blessing be long continued to you and them.
I agree with you that nothing but a vigorous prosecution of the war can now determine the question between the North and the South. It is vain to talk of peace at the present moment. The Confederate States, flushed with their success at Bull’s Run, would consent to nothing less than a recognition of their independence, and this is impossible to grant under any conceivable circumstances. I have much faith that General McClellan is “the coming man.”
From your friend, very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
[HON. RICHARD COBDEN TO MR. BUCHANAN.]
Midhurst, Sussex, Sept. 5, 1861.