Yours very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
[MR. BUCHANAN TO DR. BLAKE.]
Wheatland, near Lancaster, October 28, 1862.
My Dear Sir:—
I thank you sincerely for your kind letter of caution and advice. I now send you my answer to General Scott. This was forced upon me by a voluntary attack, which was little expected. Although I did not altogether trust him, our relations since I ordered him to Washington had been of a very friendly character.
You will please to take the document immediately to the office of the Intelligencer. I cannot doubt that they will publish it immediately. I leave it unsealed, so that you may first look over it, if you think proper; but you will please to seal it up before delivery. Mr. Carlisle might also see it, if this could be done without delay.
I would thank you to immediately acknowledge its receipt. I should be glad you could examine the proof; but this I presume is impossible.
I have no doubt they will publish it, though their remarks preceding Scott’s statement are unfriendly. This I could not have expected from Col. Seaton.
Your friend always,