James Buchanan.
[MR. BUCHANAN TO MR. NAHUM CAPEN.]
Wheatland, April 29th, 1867.
My Dear Sir:—
I have received your favor of the 14th instant, and have perused, with much interest, your letter to the Rev. Mr. Blagden. The subject of it, which you treat so ably, has attracted but little attention in this part of the country; still, some symptoms are apparent that the Republicans in this State intend to make capital out of it. In this, I think, they will entirely fail. Lager beer, especially among the Germans, and old rye will be too strong for them. Still, intemperance is a great curse to our people, but it will never be put down by laws prohibiting the sale of all intoxicating liquors......
Mrs. Shunk left me more than a month ago, and is now at her father’s, in Washington, with her husband. They will all return to York on the adjournment of the Supreme Court. She is one of the most charming persons I have ever known. I ought to add that Mr. Shunk’s health is far from being good.
I have been endeavoring for the last two days to prepare an index for my book, but find great difficulty in the task.
The result of the spring election throughout our State has been favorable to the Democratic party; but we have of late years been so accustomed to defeat, that I shall not, too sanguinely, calculate on success in October.
Your friend, very respectfully,
James Buchanan.