The Texas Republican

LETTER FROM MR BRECKINRIDGE

Versailles, Ky., Oct. 4, 1858

Dear Sir: I received this morning the 28th and 29th of September from the State Central Committee. I am also informed by Mr. VHehos, who informs me that he is a member of the same committee. Owing to my absence from home will account for the delay of the answer.

In these letters it is said that I am reported to have expressed a desire that Mr. Douglas shall defeat Mr. Lincoln in their contest for a seat in the Senate of the United States, and a willingness to visit Illinois and make public speeches in favor of such result: and if these reports are true, I am invited to deliver addresses at certain points in the state.

The rumor of my readiness to visit Illinois and address the people in the political contest now is without foundation. I do not propose to leave Kentucky for the purpose of mingling in the political disputes in other states. The two or three speeches which I delivered recently in this State rested on peculiar ground which I need not now discuss.

The other point to which you refer is true. I have often in conversation expressed the wish that Mr. Douglas may succeed over his Republican opponent. But it is due to candor to say that this preference is not founded on his course at the last session of Congress and would not exist if I supposed it would be construed as an indorsement of the attitude which he then chose to assume towards his party, or of all the positions which he has taken in the present canvass. It is not necessary to enlarge on these things. I will only add, that my preference rests mainly on these considerations: that the Kansas question is practically ended; that Mr. Douglas, in recent speeches, has explicitly declared his adherence to the regular Democratic party organization; that he seems to be the candidate of the Illinois Democracy, and the most formidable opponent in that State of the Republican party; and that on more than one occasion during his public life he has defended the Union of the States and the rights of the states with fidelity, courage and great ability.

I have not desired to say anything upon this or any other subject about which a difference may be supposed to exist in our political family, but I do not feel at liberty to decline an answer to the courteous letter of your committee.

With cordial wishes for the harmony of the Illinois Democracy, and the hope that your great and growing State, which has never yet given a sectional vote, may continue true to our constitutional Union,

I am, very respectfully,

Your ob't. serv't

JOHN C. BRECKINRIDGE

Hon. John Moore, Chairman of the Committee