Letter to Davies from John Tyler in Washington.  Response to letter from Davies.  Concerns Tyler's political views and the Whigs of Connecticut. October 1, 1841.

Washington Oct. 1. 1841

Dear Sir,

I thank you for your letter of the 22 Sept and a copy of the address of the State Committee which accompanied it -- The tone of the address is temparate and conciliatory, and gives me reason to hope that honest convictions on my part will never be regarded by the Whigs of Connecticut as ground of accusation or complaint.  I have been in the habit all my life of doing what I conceived to be my duty, fearlessly and boldly, and leaving consequences to take care of themselves.  As it has been with me in the past, so will it be in the future, for I am too far advanced in years now to change a habit of such long standing -- nor do I in any manner fear that a patriotic and enlightened constituency will in the end do justice to my motives -- They lead me to consult alone the public good -- This is my highest duty -- And I must be free to declare that no abuse however violent, no clamour however loud, no proceedings however slanderous, can have any effect to drive me from its fulfillment -- is an administration wanting to expose abuses and reform them?  the country shall have it -- Is it desireable that the govt. shall be brought back as far as practicable to the republican tract?  so far as I may be able, this will be done.  Shall the constitution be elevated above the assaults of faction and its provisions be sacredly respected? such and such only is my design; and in the accomplishment of these purposes I doubt not that I shall have your support and that of the Whigs of Connnecticut.  Their late address seems to guarantee all this from its mild, patriotic and conciliatory tone -- I seek the honour, the glory the prosperity of our country and I seek to accomplish them by constitutional means -- The cause deserves the effort even if I perish in the trial of accomplishing it.

I pray you Dr Sir to accept assurances of my respect and wishes for your health and happiness.

                                                          John Tyler

Transcription from George Rosenstein.
Web page created January 4, 2001.