Polk James


James Polk Re: The Presidential Election "This is a Tide in Our Favor"

Bifold, heavily written on 3 pages, with address on the verso of the last page, 7.75" x 10". Second leaf is laid into another sheet. Dated "Columbia December 15, 1842", and signed in full signature by James K. Polk as "James K. Polk". To Col. S.H. Laughlin in N. Minnville, Tennessee. Headed Private. Red wax seal is present, with restorative repair to the associated tear. Addressed on last page. Near fine with strong contrasting ink.

Polk writes regarding the battle for the upcoming Presidential election writing "Our opponents are disbanding and this is a tide in our favor which should be taken at the flood. Anti-Clay meetings should be held this winter … The issues before the country are new. The ruinous measures of policy and high toned Federal bearings of our opponents … cannot command the approval of a majority of our people … "

With Slavery a hot topic, and Henry Clay seeking the Presidency over several elections, Polk is posturing how to best position his political party. He would ultimately end up winning the 1844 making the annexation of the Republic of Texas his key issue.

Polk's letter is shown in full below:

"When I reached LaGrange on my way from Mississippi, I met the information that the Congressional District Bill had passed. Though full justice was not done to us, still I think we will carry a majority of the Delegation. I am much gratified to see that you are announced in your district, and hope that there will be a perfect union of our party upon you. From an article in Fridays last paper I infer that the Whigs are endeavoring to use some democrat, by the promise of their votes, if he will run against you. Who he can be I cannot imagine. I hope that no one of our party will be so weak as to be used in such a way. Write me concerning this. On my way up, I met and addressed, as you have seen, large assemblies of the people at LaGrange, Jackson, Dresden, and Paris, and have no hesitation in saying that we are now stranger in that Division of the State, than we have ever been since the present parties in the State were secured. Since I passed and repassed, as I did most effectually, Milton Brown's letter, Huntsman writes to me that H.H. Brown of Perry, has come out as a candidate for Congress against him. I am satisfied that Milton Brown cannot be re-elected in his district, strange as it is; Gardner I think is of this opinion, and will watch the movement of things and may yet be a candidate. Some friends in the District are men actively engaged in organizing and settling down upon our candidates. They think we will be able to run candidates in any county, unless it may be Carroll and Henderson, possibly in them.

"We have gained greatly in Madison and will make a bold fight. I gave it as my opinion that candidates should be run in every county, and that they should be brought out at the earliest practicable period. We must rely mainly upon you to have these things attended to, early, in your District. Now is the time for action. Our opponents are disbanding and this is a tide in our favor which should be taken at the flood. Anti-Clay meetings should be held this winter in every County where it can be done, and their proceedings sent abroad. The Preambles and resolutions adoption at such meetings not only coming as trusted information to the people, but have a stimulating effect all over the State. You could very easily hold such a meeting at your January County Court. Though it might not be necessary in that County it would have a good effect in other parts of the State. Write to me who the Legislative candidates will probably be in the several Counties in your District. It must if possible be so arranged that we will run candidates in Jackson and White. The candidate in DeKalb should be our strongest and most available man, as the advance in that County is very small in this way, and the result may depend upon the popularity of the candidate. I am very clear for having a general fight and on every part of the ground. The issues now before the country are new. The ruinous measures of policy and high toned Federal bearings of our opponents since they have been in power, I confidently believe, if properly presented, and fully discussed, cannot command the approval of a majority of our people in any County in the State. The party name of Whigs and farmer party — attachments and commitments,— with the pride of opinion and fear of being charged with changing will undoubtedly enable them to retain majorities in the strong Whig counties, but these majorities may be greatly diminished, if we run candidates. Hoping to hear from you soon upon all these points and any others which you may think important...."

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