John Calhoun letter to Thomas Clemson, 19 March 1847

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Fort Hill 19th March 1847

MY DEAR SIR, I received yours of the last Steamer but a short time before I left Washington.

On my return, I met Mrs Calhoun in Charleston waiting my arrival. My reception by the city authorities and the citizens generally was warm, and even enthusiastick never more so. I remained four days, and addressed a crowded meeting in the Theater the evening preceeding my leaving. It was literally crowded, and hundreds had to retire from the impossibility of getting in. I was unfortunately labouring under a severe cold, accompanied by hoarseness; but I succeeded in making myself heard, in a short address of about 30 or 40 minutes. I dwelt wholly on the slave question, its danger and our means for resisting it. The time is come, when it must be brought to a final decision. The next Session will indicate what that will be. From present appearance it will be one of the most important sessions since the commencement of the Government. . . .

Author:
1847

Source:
Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1899, Calhoun Correspondence.