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deciphering my hieroglyphics, by borrowing my daughter's pen in writing this letter. I am glad to hear from you, and to perceive that you have lost nothing of your old spirit. Indeed, why should you? You have passed through a fiery ordeal, and have come like gold out of the fire. You never stood better with every true American than at this moment. Whatever may be the result of matters in your State, and I must confess I have no hopes of them, your position before the American people cannot be shaken, and you are young enough to receive the reward of your firmness. For myself I do not believe that I shall live to see things settled down quietly; but it matters little to me personally. I have no hopes fixed on the future, nor do I care two straws about it, so far as respects myself. You seemed to foresee truly what was to happen in New York, and I anticipate nothing but defeat in the coming elections. I am under the impression that the extreme spirit of opposition will push many of our Southern friends to an extreme position. They seem to me determined, if they cannot have everything, to have nothing.

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I want to see you very much, and to talk with you, and if it is possible, I will stop a night with you, on my way to Washington. But, absent or present, I shall never forget your true friendship, nor cease to reciprocate it.

Ever yours,

LEWIS CASS.

MR. DICKINSON TO MRS. WESTCOTT.

BINGHAMTON, August 21, 1851.

MY DEAR SISTER-I have just returned from burying my poor brother Frederick at Guilford. I heard of his approaching end at Litchfield, which added to the emotion consequent upon the occasion; it caused me great and painful solicitude. Your sister endured the journey better than I feared, and is, I think, slightly improved. I had not a moment at Litchfield when I could write. I was not well enough on Sunday to do so, without increasing my nervous headache, and put it off for Monday, and then when I was mustering courage to write, I

received news of Frederick's death, with only just time to reach there for the funeral. I returned last evening much fatigued, but shall be quite well, I trust, after a little rest.

Mr. Birdsall talks of going soon to Avon. You and Lydia must consult your own inclinations about staying, which I desire to have you do as long as it is profitable to you. If you do not come with Mr. B- I will go for you when you are ready to leave.

I must save a description of Litchfield and the old homestead at Goshen until we meet.

Affectionately, your brother,

D. S. DICKINSON.

MR. EVERETT TO MR. DICKINSON.

MEDFORD, Massachusetts, October 2, 1851.

DEAR SIR-I have your most obliging favor of the 28th of September. Allow me to refer you to my letter of this date, on the subject of visiting Binghamton, as requested by Mr. Wright.

In the event of my coming there to repeat my "Washington," I shall be most happy to be your guest.

I remain, dear Sir, with great regard,

Very truly yours,

EDWARD EVERETT.

MR. STEWART TO MR. DICKINSON.

BALTIMORE, Md., October 27, 1851.

MY DEAR SIR-I feel extremely anxious to obtain some authentic account as to the probable result of your State election in November. I believed it is destined to have an important influence upon the nomination of our candidate and the success of our national election. I feel assured that, if you can present a New York candidate for the Presidency, there will be a preference for him over any one now named; and if you were to be the man, I believe and say so, without any flattery, that you would be the first choice of Maryland. In all the

discussions upon the subject which I hear, it is most gratifying to my feelings to realize the high position of confidence to which you have ascended in the affections of the Democratic party. I could pledge to you the electoral vote of our State, for, Whig as that has ever been, you would have strength enough to concentrate a triumphaut vote in your support.

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MY DEAR SISTER-The uncertain currents of fortune carry me about, I scarcely know how or whither. I spent last week at Norwich, arguing a motion for a new trial, in a murder case, and at its close returned to B, expecting some little repose at home, where a telegraph despatch informed me that an important cause here was coming on for argument, and I must be here, so I left forthwith.

The family at home are as usual, except your sister Lydia, who, I regret to say, is rather feeble. I have been very anxious to get away to Mississippi, but it seems almost impossible. The family are so dependent on my presence for comfort, and business presses so incessantly, that I hardly get time to breathe. I have yet hope that I may find an opportunity to leave.

I saw a letter which your sister wrote you relative to Bessie. I am deeply concerned for this dear sister. If you return without my going after you, and before summer, you had better come by way of New Orleans and by sea. If you conclude to try this, write me, for I could aid you materially. It is a cold, hard winter here. Give much love to all our friends, and keep much for yourself.

Your affectionate brother,

D. S. DICKINSON.

MR. DICKINSON TO MR. ROGERS.

BINGHAMTON, May 22, 1852.

MY DEAR R.-Lydia will not go to Baltimore. I took Mrs. Birdsall in 1835, before her marriage, and it cured my curiosity in such matters. Unless you have engaged rooms you will not find a peg to hang on, and as to finding lodgings for a young lady, it is in my judgment pretty much out of the case. I should be glad to meet Miss Jennie there, but the "noise and confu sion" will prevent her having much enjoyment, I fear; though if you have acquaintance in some private family, where she could visit, it would be pleasant for her.

I hope Gen. Cass's friends will be on hand in force. I am for him, up and down, and round about, and diagonally, and shall sink or swim with him. All send regards to Mrs. R. and Jennie and yourself.

Sincerely yours,

D. S. DICKINSON.

MR. CASS TO MR. DICKINSON.

WASHINGTON, May 27, 1852.

MY DEAR SIR-I drop you this hasty note, in the midst of the bustle of the Senate, to say I have just received your letter, and wholly approve your course as to coming here. You are right, and I told B- so this morning. As to your course, my friend, I cannot talk of such a thing; I know you are as true a man as ever walked the earth-I may say, the very model of true fidelity. There, you have my heart.

Ever your true friend,

LEWIS CASS.

MR. DICKINSON TO MRS. DICKINSON.

BARNUM'S HOTEL, BALTIMORE,}

June 2, 1852.

MY DEAREST LYDIA-I am exceedingly pained to hear of

your sudden illness. I have wished myself back from the moment I heard of your situation, and wish there was an end of the convention.

It has not yet acted on nominations, and may not for a day or two. I hope it may to-morrow. No idea can be formed of what it will do. I have seen many of our old friends, who send many kind remembrances.

Write if you see that the Convention is continuing, and if I am seriously needed at home, telegraph me, and I will come immediately. I would rather be home than here a thousand times.

Give much love to all the dear ones.

Affectionately,

D. S. DICKINSON.

MR. CASS TO MR. DICKINSON.

WASHINGTON, June 10, 1852.

MY DEAR SIR-I am not going to write you a long letter, but hope it will not be an unsatisfactory one. I thank you from my heart for all you did for me at Baltimore. I shall never forget it, though I can never repay it. I never had a truer friend, and it is right to tell you so.

Ever your friend,

LEWIS CASS.

COL. PAINE TO MR. DICKINSON.

[Extract.]

ROCHESTER, July 2, 1852.

MY DEAR SIR-One thing above all others do I most regret: that is, when you were literally buried with bouquets, the entire delegation, with all the outsiders (including some hundreds of ladies), shouting your name, and importuning you to consent, that you had not said yes, and given us the privilege of making you President of the United States. But it may all be well yet.

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Sincerely yours.

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N. E. PAINE.

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