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“I WAS NEVER CONSULTED PREVIOUSLYTOTHE
CALL OFTHE 8 JANUARY CONVENTION”
93
●
BUCHANAN, JAMES. Autograph Letter Signed, as Senator, to Speaker of the PA
House of Representatives James Ross Snowden, speculating that it may be wiser to press
forward in the pursuit [of the nomination for president at January 8 Convention], explain-
ing that he declined to give a pledge to Colonel Long concerning his position on a Tariff,
and relatingWashington rumors about possible changes to Polk’s cabinet. 3 pages, 4to, writ-
ten on a single folded sheet; few tiny holes at fold intersections. (TFC)
Washington, 21 December 1842
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“
. . . I was never consulted previously to the call of the 8 January Convention, and had it been other-
wise, I should have felt reluctant to give advice on the subject. But it appears to me, my friends have
proceeded too far to retreat. In many of the Counties delegates have been elected, and if it were, at this
late period, to be abandoned, this would be considered in the other States as an abandonment of the
cause. . . .
“
. . . It is said that Judge Patton is to be soon appointed chargé to Copenhagen, and that Mr. Forward
is to take his place; whilst Mr. [John C.] Spencer is to be appointed Secretary of the Treasury & Judge
Porter of Penn’a is to fill the vacancy thus created.
“
Please to show this letter to Judge Thompson; but to no other person . . . . I shall send him the
President’s message & the accompanying documents which may be used by you both.”
The Democratic convention was held in Columbus, OH, on January 8, 1844, where James K. Polk
was selected as their candidate for president. Buchanan would continue to be frustrated in his presiden-
tial ambitions until 1856, when he finally received the Democratic nomination.