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Correspondence of JAMES K. POLK
TO GEORGE BANCROFT
My Dear Sir:

I received to day, your letter of the 13th Instant, together with the one enclosed of the same date, in answer to mine of the 9th of September, for both of which I thank you.

I heartily unite with you, in the wish that Genl. Cass may be elected and I think he will be. The unexpectedly close vote in the late State election in Pennsylvania, has given an intensity of intrest to the Presidential election which it did not before possess. Causes however, (which it is not necessary to specify) operated in that election, which no longer exist, and my information induces the confident belief, that the electoral vote of Pennsylvania will be given for the Democratic ticket. If I am right in this, the question is settled. That Ohio will vote for Cass & Butler is no longer a matter of doubt. Even without Pennsylvania Genl. Cass’s chances are the best, but the contest in that case, would be close, and the result might be a matter of some doubt.

I agree with you, that in the present condition of the world, my closing annual Message to Congress will be an important one. It has so happened that my administration, has occurred at an eventful pe[r]iod1 in the history of our own country and of the world. Great questions have arisen foreign and domestic, which it has been my duty, to meet—with what sucess must be left to the future historian to record. You kindly suggest that in the next Message I should speak in terms that will “make Europe leap,” and especially of our federative system. The theme I know is an ample one. In treating it, you from your position possess many materials which I cannot have. If you were with me a single day you could aid me much. As it is, My Dear Sir: I should esteem it a personal favour, if you would put down in writing, any views which you may think proper to suggest and transmit them to me by the return Steamer. Congress, will meet on the 4th of December and on the following day according to usage, my message will be sent in. If the outward and homeward passage should be of the ordinary length, there may still be time for me to receive your views. Should they be too late for that occasion, there may be some other during the Session, when it would be proper to use them.

I am most anxious to receive from you copies of the documents in the Brittish archives relating to the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence in May 1775, and every thing, which may relate to the proceedings of the people in that part of North Carolina, about that period. My own immediate family were activee participators in those proceedings, and therefore every thing connected with them, will be of peculiar intrest to me.

With my respectful salutations to Mrs. Bancroft — . . . .

JAMES K. POLK

ALS. MHi. Addressed to London and marked “(Private).” See also ALS, press copy. DLC–JKP.

  1. Letter inserted to complete probable meaning.