A new principle as I suppose it to be in our government is attempting to be established viz the constitutional right of a state to secede peaceably from the Union at pleasure she being the sole Judge of the cause which impels it. This doctrine is contended to be the legitimate correlary from the constitution and the Virginia & Kentucky resolutions of 98 & 99 I have asserted the fact from my own knowledge that this was not the reading of my grandfather, that he never entertained such opinions am I in error upon this subject: if I am you who knew best his opinions can set me right with sentiments of affectionate attachment Your &c