Description:

Calhoun John

John C. Calhoun, Maverick Prophet: He Predicted & Tried to Prevent Panic of 1837

 

3pp letter signed by U.S. Senator from South Carolina John C. Calhoun (1782-1850) as "J.C. Calhoun" on the third page at center. With ten additional words also inscribed in Calhoun's hand (the closing salutation, and the addressee's name.) Written at Fort Hill, Calhoun's home in Clemson, South Carolina, on October 24, 1839. On watermarked cream laid bifold paper. Docketed by the recipient on the fourth page. Expected folds, a few with tiny closed tears. Else near fine. 8" x 9.875".

 

Senator Calhoun addressed this letter to Lot Clark (1788-1862), a lawyer, banker, and politician from upstate New York. Clark, who was a fellow Democratic-Republican, had suggested that Calhoun visit New York to discuss current economic policy. Calhoun regretfully declined the invitation, citing conflicts, but afterwards opined about the deplorable (and completely preventable) state of national financial affairs.

 

In part, with unchanged spelling and punctuation:

 

"Nothing would gratify me more than an opportunity of conversing fully with the business men of New York on the subject…but such is the extent of my engagements…that it would be impossible to make the visit you suggest…

 

I long since foresaw the approach of the disorder, into which the banking system has fallen, + used my best endeavours in 1833, '34, when the removal of the deposites was under discussion, to unite both parties in an arrangement, that would avert, if possible, what has since happened; + if not, weaken the force of the shock, which I then clearly saw was inevitable, if some effective measure was not adopted to prevent it…If at that time, either party had united with me, all which has since befallen the currency of the country might have been prevented; but both were too intent on party objects to look forward, or guard against what was approaching.

 

The time to apply a remedy was thus lost; I fear, irretrievably lost. The system left to its own action has fallen into the greatest confusion, + public confidence has received a shock, from which it never can recover fully.

 

After the suspension in '37, I saw + still see, no remedy but an entire separation between government + banks. I regard that step, as essential to the reformation of the system, + reformation, as essential to prevent revulsion + revolution. There are deep + intrinsic defects in the system, which must lead to a catastrophe, if not corrected, + the first move towards correction is to separate the system from the politics of the day (the party strifes) which can only be done by a complete + entire divorce between the banks + government. It is in that spirit, I have advocated the measure throughout…

 

Such are the views, which have heretofore governed me, + will continue to do so, till this important subject is finally adjusted. My final aim is reformation to be effected with the least possible derangement to the credit + business of the country. I believe the alternative to be reformation, or convulsion. No one is more anxious to avoid the latter than myself…

 

My single wish is for the liberty + welfare of the country…"

 

From 1833-1834, during the so-called "Bank War", President Andrew Jackson had removed federal funds from the Second Bank of the United States. Calhoun opposed this action, condemning it as an example of executive overreach. He called the members of the Jackson administration "artful, cunning, and corrupt politicians, and not fearless warriors". Calhoun accused President Jackson of being ignorant of important financial matters, and as evidence, cited the economic panic caused by Nicholas Biddle's attempt to stop Jackson from destroying the national bank. On March 28, 1834, Calhoun voted with other Whig Senators on a successful motion to censure Jackson for his removal of funds.

 

Democratic-Republicans were hostile to the idea of national banks, especially since the nation's bankers had joined the opposing Whig Party. The Democrats wanted to replace the national bank with the Independent Treasury system, which Calhoun supported and which went into effect to combat the Panic of 1837. In this and many other ways, Calhoun attacked finance capitalism and opposed what he viewed as encroachment by both big government and big business.

 

Fiery South Carolinian John C. Calhoun greatly shaped antebellum American politics. Two other planks in his platform--in addition to his criticism of the national banking system--were states' rights and the continuation of slavery, issues that would lead to the Civil War. Calhoun had begun his political career as a proponent of a strong national government and a protective tariff, but his views changed radically in the 1820s. Thereafter, he became one of the vociferous champions of states' rights, limited government, nullification, and opposition to high tariffs. Calhoun's philosophy heavily influenced fellow Southerners, and informed the South's decision to secede from the Union.

 

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

 

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