n
of serious importance. I am persuaded that with every passing day
the public are more and more disposed to do you justice. You
certainly do injustice to Harris, the editor of the "Union." In
the beginning I paid some attention to the course of the paper in
regard to yourself, and I think it was unexceptionable: I know he
stood firm amidst a shower of abuse from the extremists. I never
saw nor did I ever hear of the communication published in the
"Union" to which you refer, and Harris has no recollection of it.
I requested him to find me the number and send it to me; but this
he has not done. He is not responsible in any degree for the
non-publication of the letters to which you refer.[10] I knew
nothing of them until after the receipt of yours; and upon inquiry
I found their publication had been prevented by Mr. Cobb under a
firm conviction that they would injure both yourself and the
Administration.

Whether he judged wisely or not I cannot say, for I never saw
them. That he acted in fairness and friendship I have not a doubt.
He was anxious that General Whitfield should publish a letter and
prepared one for him, expecting he would sign it before he left.
He sent this letter after him for his approval and signature; but
it has not been returned. I know not what are its contents.
General W. doubtless has the letter in his possession. Beyond all
question, the motives of Mr. Cobb were proper. Mrs. Walker and
Mrs. Bache have just left me after a half hour's very agreeable
conversation. Mrs. Walker desires me to inform you the family are
all well and sends her love.

From your friend, very respectfully,

JAMES BUCHANAN.

Hon. ROBERT J. WALKER.[11]

[Sidenote] Report Covode Committee, p. 111.

The question naturally occurs, for whom did Calhoun speak when he
approached Governor Walker, offering him the bribe of the Presidency
and assuring him that the Administration had changed its mind? That
was before, or certainly not long after, the probable receipt of this
letter in Kansas, for the Governor left the Territory (November 16)
about one week after the adjournment of the Lecompton Convention. The
question becomes still more pressing owing to Governor Walker's
testimony that when he reached Washington, "the President himself
distinctly and emphatically assured me that he had not authorized
anybody t