Autograph Letter Signed, Marietta, Ohio February 14, 1846 to J. Philip Layman, Esq., Putnamville, Putnam County, Indiana

No Binding. Good. quarto, 4 pages, folded, postal markings on integral address leaf, some separations along folds, paper lightly browned, else in good legible condition. "Respected Uncle, . I came to this city to attend College, in June last since which I have applied myself closely and attentively to study. In the conflict between Republicanism and the combined isms of the old and new world, which are opposed to it. I yet expect to act an efficient part on the side of the former. That conflict must inevitably end with the destruction and overthrow of one side or the other. The contest to which I refer is one of no ordinary character, and will require no ordinary effort of the Liberal party in America in order to be successful, but that it will in the end be successful I cannot for one moment doubt. You have seen ere this, I presume, the stand which our Democracy have taken on the currency question. Our motto is "David Tod and a Constitutional Currency" against "Wm Bebb, and a Bank paper Currency" We also go for the whole of Oregon. If I had time and space I would briefly review the doings of our Federal Legislature, their utter disregard of the Constitution and everything else by which the people's representatives should be governed, but I have neither. There are several things connected with the history of the present Congress Democratic as it is, that I do not like too well. Your statesman, speaker Davis, did not use Ohio in a becoming manner in his appointments of Committees for the House. Some members from the south who belong to our party, run off in tangent lines on the Oregon question &c &c &c. I might run on, write page after page to you on the political affairs of own happy republic, but it would be in a manner useless for we would agree on every question of importance touching politicks. I am still a true uncompromising, unwavering Jeffersonian Democrat. There are only 4 Democratic students in this college, including myself, we are a small band, but true as steel."