Details
POLK, JAMES KNOX. President. Autograph letter signed ("James K. Polk") as Governor of Tennessee, to Colonel Samuel H. Laughlin, Nashville, Tennessee, 7 April 1840. 2 pp., 4to, integral address leaf, 248 x 204 mm. (9¾ x 8 in.).
PLANNING ANTI-WHIG STRATEGY FOR THE ELECTIONS
A good letter regarding political contests in Polk's home state of Tennessee. "...I am grateful to learn that you will have it in your power to go on to Baltimore...Our friends here have waked up, from their apparent indifference and are now actively in the fight. Governor Carroll returned this morning from Lebanon, where he made a speech on yesterday. He gives a good account of the canvass in that County, considering that we have always been weak in Wilson. On Saturday last Chatham met Jones successfully, at a Battalion muster in this County. To night Henry of Clarksville is to speak at the Market House, here, and Andrew Ewing is to reply. No more Whig speeches will be made hereabouts without a reply...Col. Keeble declined accepting in place of McGavock and Mr. John Leiper of Murfreesborough has been appointed by this committee. Mr. L. will go on. Hoping to see you at the appointed time." Polk's battles with the Whig Party were fierce. Very narrowly elected in 1839, he was later defeated twice in the gubernatorial elections by the Whig candidate James C. Jones, but in 1844 won the Democratic nomination for President.
PLANNING ANTI-WHIG STRATEGY FOR THE ELECTIONS
A good letter regarding political contests in Polk's home state of Tennessee. "...I am grateful to learn that you will have it in your power to go on to Baltimore...Our friends here have waked up, from their apparent indifference and are now actively in the fight. Governor Carroll returned this morning from Lebanon, where he made a speech on yesterday. He gives a good account of the canvass in that County, considering that we have always been weak in Wilson. On Saturday last Chatham met Jones successfully, at a Battalion muster in this County. To night Henry of Clarksville is to speak at the Market House, here, and Andrew Ewing is to reply. No more Whig speeches will be made hereabouts without a reply...Col. Keeble declined accepting in place of McGavock and Mr. John Leiper of Murfreesborough has been appointed by this committee. Mr. L. will go on. Hoping to see you at the appointed time." Polk's battles with the Whig Party were fierce. Very narrowly elected in 1839, he was later defeated twice in the gubernatorial elections by the Whig candidate James C. Jones, but in 1844 won the Democratic nomination for President.