Fort Hill 
24th Augt. 1831 
My dear Sir, 
 I am much gratified that my communication has been so well received by you and my Edgefield friends paid generally.  It was a step full of hazard to me. But I never hesitated a moment as to my course. I see one good effect it must have. It will be received, where no other communication on the same subject would, and might get those to thinking heretofore turned a moments attention to the subject.  I had a letter from Col. Simkins by the last mail dated at 
 
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the springs. He says it is looked for by those with the most intense _______.   
 Mr. Wardlaw’s  remarks were very judicious. Would it not be well for him to extract favorable notices from other papers, particularly out of the state. I have as yet seen two Virginia papers, the Jeffersonian and the Petersburg Intelligencer. They are both favorable. How do the Georgia and N. Carolina papers notice it?  
 As to the Presidency it seems to me that having placed my sentiment on record, my true ______ is to stand still and leave it to the people without any arguing on my part. I have not nor do I intend to make any move. I could have born it, if I could have been  
 
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advanced even to bold general language, as to my opinions, but I  would not accept the office unless to assure the restoration of the Constitution. I prefer a fair reputation founded on an honest discharge of duty to my office however high. If I _______myself a crown, much less the presidency, could not bend round from what I deemed right.  
 I think Clay cannot be elected. The Anti-Masons cannot be brought over to him. Jackson is in a minority, and is still sinking. McClane is not strong. The single objection to me is the Carolina doctrine. How all this will work it is hard to say.  I see much confusion, but not beyond. I trust, succeed who may, our cause will prevail but it seems to me it would be suicidal for the states to be forced into a contest between Jackson and Clay, or any other candidate hostile to our principals.  
I received your letter to which  
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you refer, and will certainly do my best with your father but fear it is a hopeless task. He is hard to convince.  
 Mrs. Calhoun is not yet entirely recovered. Maria  is well. They all desire their love to you and Eliza.    Sincerely, 
J. C. Calhoun  
 
 
 
 
 
F. M. Pickens, Esq.