John Calhoun letter to James Edward Calhoun, 7 August 1828

Washington 7th Aug 1828

DEAR JAMES, Your letter from Chicago was the more agreeable, as it was unexpected. Knowing your negligent habit as a correspondent, we were fearful, that we should not hear from you till your return. With encouragement it is usual to rise in expectation; and we shall be quite disapointed, if we should not receive a letter from the Falls of St Antony. I fear the course of events in Spain will not be such as to realize your expectation. She is not yet subdued, but her resistance has been little worthy of her cause. Yet there is still hope, tho the defection of Count Abisbal and the counter revolution in Portugal are very discouraging events. The truth is, that she has a most difficult task to perform; not so much in resisting French bayonets, as the corruption, intrigue, and the moral discouragement which she experiences from all of the European powers not excepting England. The British people are hearty in her cause, but the government, there is much reason to apprehend, has acted a very mischievous part both in Spain and Portugal. The hope of Spain is now in Cadiz. The government had arrived there by the last advice, and was received with zeal; but the place was crowded with population, and Blockaded by a French squadron.

We are on the hights of Georgetown, and find the residence delightful. The health of the children is very much improved by the fine air and the abundant exercise in the Grove.

The season has been delightful both here and to the South. By the last accounts crops were never so fine in Carolina, and what is better the price of cotton has improved very considerably with fair prospect of still farther advance, and that not from the diminution of the supply, but from the increase of the consumption which has been enormous.

I will write you in ten days, or two weeks and address to Detroit, and will agreeably to your request give you a letter of credit for $200, on Governor Cass. l

We hope that your tour will be throughout safe and interesting. Your mother, sister, and the children all desire their love to you.