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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC04501.063 |
| From Archive Folder | Archive of Confederate general & family re: plantation and slaves |
| Title | John C. Darby to Tobias Gibson regarding a presidential election and its candidates |
| Date | ca. 1854 |
| Author | Darby, John C. (fl. 1850) |
| Recipient | Gibson, Tobias |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | The date is inferred from the election years in which the politicians mentioned ran for office. Discusses various political figures such as William Seward, Francis P. Blair (former Free Soiler), Lewis Kossuth, James Buchanan, Daniel Webster and Lewis Cass. Darby supports Buchanan, and opposes those who advocate abolition. He also discusses plans for railroads in Louisiana and suggest two separate lines for New Orleans. His observations on the changes occurring in the country assume a prophetic tone: "the Almighty Ruler of the Universe seems to be bringing about some great change in the affairs of mankind; & we are all working in the dark. It is to his mercy & goodness alone that we must trust. But I fear that it may turn out that as in the days of Sodom & Gomorrou [sic] there will not be found righteous men enough to save the world. The Earth was never more abandoned to vice & immorality, to infidelity & false philosophy than at this day." The first four pages of the letter are missing. |
| Subjects | President Politics Election Government and Civics Slavery African American History Abolition Railroad Transportation Religion Corruption and Scandal Morality and Ethics |
| People | Darby, John C. (fl. 1850) Gibson, Tobias (fl. 1842-1865) |
| Theme | The Presidency; Government & Politics; Slavery & Abolition; African Americans; Religion |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859 |
| Additional Information | Tobias Gibson was a plantation owner and owned four estates: Greenwood, Magnolia, Hollywood, and Live Oak. He resided primarily in Lexington, Kentucky, but was one of the wealthiest cotton and sugar planters of the Mississippi Valley. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |
| Transcript | Show/hide |