Peter Buell Porter letter to Henry Clay, 29 January 1822

Albany, January 29, 1822.

Dear Sir, I arrived two days ago at this place, where not only the members of our Legislature, but most of the active political talent and mischief of the State are now congregated. I have not, during this period, been inattentive to the great question that at present engages the speculations of the politicians throughout the Union, and I think I do not deceive you when I say that your prospects here are highly flattering. You are probably aware that some six or eight months ago there was a partial understanding and commitment among some of our most active politicians in favor of Mr. C d, and it is to this class that my conversations and views have been principally directed. Many of them are now ready to change their ground, and even the most zealous are willing to lie still at present, and eventually to be governed by future and clearer indications of public sentiment on this subject

You will see Mr. Van Buren in Washington, and I beg you to pay him some attention. I am decidedly of opinion that he will yet be for you. His best and strongest friends here are so, and I know that his own views have been essentially changed since last spring. He will not, I presume, avow his preference of any candidate during" the present session of Congress, and perhaps it is desirable that he should not. Be civil also to Rochester of our State, who is a very clever young man, and strongly your friend. A rumor is in circulation here that you and D. Clinton are playing in concert, and that you and he will run on the same ticket. I need not tell you that such a rumor, once believed, would prostrate all your hopes he\e. The recent, and all but unanimous, rejection of the Clintoman judges by our Senate, shows the temper of the State in regu-rJ to that class of politicians. Can you with propriety say something in a letter to me on the subject of this supposed coaliticn which I may show confidentially to two or three persons ? It might be attended with good consequences. Noah, the Advocate man, is now here. I have had several conversations with him and although his predelections are still for Mr. C d, his zeal and confidence have

greatly abated. He finds that the State is not disposed to go with him, and expresses a willingness to be quiet, until the sentiments of the old republican party shall be more fully developed.