Calhoun, as honor dictated.  This course becomes especially remarkable in view of the fact that the change did not occur until after Walker’s rejection of the fraudulent Oxford returns, which action placed the legislative power of the Territory in the hands of the newly elected free-State Legislature, as already related.  On the same day (October 22, 1857) on which Walker and Stanton issued their proclamation rejecting the fraudulent returns, President Buchanan wrote another highly commendatory letter to Governor Walker.  As it has never before been published, its full text will have special historical interest.

    WASHINGTON CITY,
    22d October, 1857.

MY DEAR SIR:  I have received your favor of the tenth instant by Captain Pleasonton and am rejoiced to learn from you, what I had previously learned from other less authentic sources, that the convention of Kansas will submit the constitution to the people.  It is highly gratifying that the late election passed off so peacefully; and I think we may now fairly anticipate a happy conclusion to all the difficulties in that Territory.  Your application for a month’s leave of absence has been granted to commence after the adjournment of the convention.  During its session your presence will be too important to be dispensed with.  I shall be glad to see you before you publish anything.  The whole affair is now gliding along smoothly.  Indeed, the revulsion in the business of the country seems to have driven all thoughts of “bleeding Kansas” from the public mind.  When and in what manner anything shall be published to revive the feeling, is a question of serious importance.  I am persuaded that with every passing day the public are more and more disposed to do you justice.  You certainly do injustice to Harris, the editor of the “Union.”  In the beginning I paid some attention to the course of the paper in regard to yourself, and I think it was unexceptionable:  I know he stood firm amidst a shower of abuse from the extremists.  I never saw nor did I ever hear of the communication published in the “Union” to which you refer, and Harris has no recollection of it.  I requested him to find me the number and send it to me; but this he has not done.  He is not responsible in any degree for the non-publication of the letters to which you refer.[10] I knew nothing of them until after the receipt of yours; and upon inquiry I found their publication had been prevented by Mr. Cobb under a firm conviction that they would injure both yourself and the Administration.

Whether he judged wisely or not I cannot say, for I never saw them.  That he acted in fairness and friendship I have not a doubt.  He was anxious that General Whitfield should publish a letter and prepared one for him, expecting he would sign it before he left.  He sent this letter after him for his approval and signature; but it has not been returned.  I know not what are its contents.  General W. doubtless has the letter in his possession.  Beyond all question, the motives of Mr. Cobb were proper.  Mrs. Walker and Mrs. Bache have just left me after a half hour’s very agreeable conversation.  Mrs. Walker desires me to inform you the family are all well and sends her love.

    From your friend, very respectfully,