My Dear Niece:—
I have received your favor of the 25th, and would answer it at greater length, but this will be delivered to you by Miss Goughey Carroll who can tell you all the news. My time passes pleasantly enough, and everybody is kind. I shall leave here with Mr. North on Monday, the 6th August, unless some friend should arrive in the meantime with whom I can travel home at a later period. Thomas is useless, and worse than useless. I shall send him home to-day or to-morrow.
You inquire, is there any possibility of Clymer’s election? If I am to believe the shrewdest calculators in the State—I don’t pretend to give my own opinion—he will certainly be elected. Such is Governor Porter’s opinion, though he thinks that on joint ballot there will be a majority in the legislature against us. If so, a Republican will be elected Senator, and among the list of candidates,—such candidates, there is very little choice. Cameron’s chance is, I think, the best. You have doubtless observed that Thaddeus Stevens has made the amende honorable for having charged us with spending more than the $20,000 appropriated.[[184]].....
With my kind regards to Mr. Johnston, I remain
Yours affectionately,
James Buchanan.
P.S.—If you so desire, you might come to Wheatland by the 8th August, whether I am at home or not.
[MR. BUCHANAN TO MR. CAPEN.]
Wheatland, August 10, 1866.
My Dear Sir:—