James Buchanan.
[MR. BUCHANAN TO MR. KING.]
Wheatland, December 10, 1861.
My Dear Sir:—
I have received a package directed in your well-known hand; and upon opening it discover a letter directed to Miss Lane, which I shall forward to her, with a beautiful pair of slippers and fan; the former, I presume, for myself.
Miss Lane has been in New York since early in November, and I know not when she will return.
Presuming that the slippers are a New Year’s gift from Miss King to myself, I desire to express my grateful thanks to her for this token of her regard. Present to her my kindest wishes for her health, prosperity, and happiness.
I wish I had something to write to you about which might interest you; but my life glides on so smoothly that I should scarcely know how time passes, were it not for the terrible condition of the country. I never expected to see the day when the Federal Government would assume the power of issuing a paper currency, much less of making it a legal tender.
With my kindest regards to Mrs. and Miss King, I remain
Always your friend,