It is my impression that the South have no idea of making peace without recognition. In this I trust I may be mistaken.
Your article on “swapping horses” is both witty and true, and has afforded us much amusement.
In regard to Miss Lane’s coal lands: I think it would be impossible, scattered as the heirs are, and some of them needy, to obtain the consent of all to lease them. It is in the power of any one of them to force a sale by legal proceedings. This was threatened; but has not yet been attempted. In that event, which is highly probable, we ought to be prepared to purchase; and from the nature of law proceedings we shall have sufficient time to be ready. Your services and influence may then become very beneficial...... Miss Lane will write to you whenever anything shall occur respecting the lands.
I shall decide when and how I shall publish after seeing the proceedings at Chicago. I cannot think the work deserves to be stereotyped.
Miss Lane desires to be most kindly remembered to you.
My health is as usual. We passed our time very agreeably at the Springs.
From your friend, very respectfully,
James Buchanan.
[TO HIS NEPHEW, J. BUCHANAN HENRY.]
Wheatland, September 22, 1864.