[draft] New York Feby 21st 1842 Private My dear Sir I recd. your letter [at] the moment of leaving home. It did not, I am sure, occur to you how much it would [enforce] your action in the matter refd to, to the misrepresentation, & misconstruction of [it], our opponents if influenced by my advice. Their arts are so prolific, & [inserted: their] [illegible] so reckless, that it is not sufficient for us now a days to do right but we must do it in such a way that neither the cursing nor the power of our political adversaries can prevent it. My own concern in regard to the slave question, in all its forms, [2] is too well known to require explanation. In that as in all other matters I have deemed [inserted: it] not only most right, but most expedient also, to do justice, I leave the consequences to themselves. Whilst we cling to the Union we must yield to our sister states all that was intended to be secured to them by the Constitution. Those who think that this duty has been disregarded by ours, should not hesitate to correct whatever [error] has been committed. [strikeout] The practice of [strikeout] disregarding when in power professions made when out of it should be left to the modern Whigs. Our friends will, as it is their habit, form their own opinions as to what is right [3] in this case, & when formed will, as is also their habit, act up to them. Just so true [inserted: however] as you [strikeout] share this letter will it become a subject of conversation, then of misrepresentation until you [strikeout] [inserted: having] finally oblgd to publish it to [save] us both from misrepresentation. Excuse me [strikeout] thus laying before you the fruits of a long experience. My only object is to [secure] to the [action] of the legislature a fair [chance] to be judged upon [strikeout] [inserted: its] own merits. As far as I alone am concerned, I am always ready to publish my opinions from the House tops. Remember me kindly to Mrs. Paige, & believe me to be Very truly your friend The Honble A.C. Paige M. Van Buren