Beschreibung:

FILLMORE, MILLARD, President . Autograph letter signed ("Millard Fillmore") as President, to "Haven," his former law partner, Washington, D.C., 4 April 1851. 3 pages, 4to, second leaf neatly inlaid, page 3 a trifle faded. FILLMORE DEFENDS FREE SPEECH A lengthy letter, written less than a year after he succeeded Zachary Taylor to the presidency, in which Fillmore discusses freedom of speech and various appointments. Fillmore defends some recent appointments: "The policy may be doubtful but the course of the canal board, in sweeping every friend of mine from office, seemed to leave no alternative. I do not mean by this however any general proscription for opinion's sake, but simply to let those folks know, that a man's opinion who favors the policy of the administration is as sacred and as much intitled to protection as is his who opposes it, and that when he is attacked for it I will defend him, by retaliation. But we have not seen the end; and I have some doubts whether the more moderate of my friends will sustain me in what I have done, while the office seekers and the more ardent ones will clamor for more. But I think I have indicated the right to support this administration, and shall rest here except in flagrant cases and for cause ... Osborn is just the man for that plan -- quiet, sensible and discreet. Bush was here yesterday... I presume he will not change Gates at Buffalo. He will make a change at Syracuse and Albany; but should Dr. Foote take charge of the Register, as I hope he will, I think he may offer the principal deputyship at Albany to Fuller. Should he not accept I hope you will find a good business man for that place..."