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IF NOMINATED FOR PRESIDENT, HEWILL SUPPORT COMPROMISE OF 1850
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SCOTT, WINFIELD. Autograph Letter Signed, to former Senator from VA
William S. Archer, stating his intention to not contact the [1852 Whig National]
Convention unless he were to receive a nomination [for presidential candidacy], at which
point his acceptance speech would include a statement of his views in support of the
Compromise [of 1850], and requesting that this information be conveyed to Governor [of
TN James C.] Jones, [VA Representative John M.] Botts, and Mr. Lee. 2 pages, 8vo, written
on the first and second pages of a folded sheet; integral blank detached, horizontal folds.
(TFC)
Np,“Tuesday Night” circa 1852
[1,000/1,500]
“
I have decided to write nothing to the Convention or to any individual member, before a nomination,
but should that honour fall to my lot, I shall, in my acceptance, give my views, on the compromise
measures, in terms at least as strong, in their favour, as those I read to you two days since. Please say
as much to my friends Governor Jones, Mr. Botts, Mr. Lee, &c &c &c.”
In early June, 1852, the Whig National Convention nominated Winfield Scott for their presidential
candidate, but the Party was divided about whether the presidential platform should declare support for
the Compromise of 1850. Scott did not stay silent on the question of slavery as theWhig party lead-
ers had hoped, and his support of the Compromise during the campaign alienated Southern Whigs.
The consequent defection of Southern Whigs was partly responsible for the resounding victory of
Democrat Franklin Pierce in the national election. Pierce’s presidency was characterized by repeated
attempts to soothe the building political tension between pro- and anti-slavery interests which culmi-
nated in the CivilWar.