Record Data
Correspondence of Robert M.T. Hunter, 1826-1876, Vol. 2, ed. Charles Henry Ambler. American Historical Association Annual Report, 1916, p. 219-220.
Transcription
R.M.T. HUNTER TO WILLIAM LAMB.
LLOYDS, ESSEX CO., [VA.]. August 23, 1857
DEAR SIR: I recognize in your letter in a friendly spirit and I answer you with the same feeling. But my answer is for yourself alone, not for publications or to become the subject of public allusion. I have never said or done anything against the administration nor have I any hostile feelings towards it. On the contrary I wish it success. What possible interest could I have in breaking it down or dividing the party? Nor am I responsible for the course of any newspaper. I do not see their editorials until after they are published nor am I consulted in regard to them. No one speaks for me. I am responsible for my own sayings and for nothing further. Nor do I feel called upon to criticize the course of the newspapers. If I have to commence with this there would be no end to it during the residue of my public life. In conclusion I must repeat the request that this letter is to be considered strictly private.