ALS, three sides of two adjoined pages, 7.75 x 10, August 7, 1837. Letter to Thomas Hamer of Ohio. In full, 'Our elections are just over, and as far as heard from, have not resulted as favourably as we anticipated. The preparing pieces (which must be temporary) have had much affect to our prejudices. Though we may be and probably have been defeated, in the late situation, there is in my judgment no cause to despair of the state. And popular vote, will probably be in errand, and I have no doubt, but that the State will ultimately support the administration. I will leave for Washington in just a few days, where I should be happy to meet you, a few days before congress meets. Our majority in the next House will not be so large again tho last; still I think it will be decisive. As the Congress which is to convene in September, will be the beginning of a new Congress. This must of course be a new organization of the House, by the situation of all its officers and it is very important therefore that our political friends of the House should be punctual in their attendance on the first day of the Session. And majority may not count 15 or 20 and possibly not more than 10 or 12 in numbers, and if in consequence of the absence of a few or four friends, the power of the House should unfortunately pass hands of the opposition, all the meaning of the administration at this important crisis, would be thwarted and embarrassed, if not defeated. Our opponents will doubtless be prompt in their attendance at the opening of the session, and would not fail to avail themselves of any temporary or accidental advantage they might possess in consequence of the absence of the friends of the administration. You will see the importance therefore of apprising our friends of your delegation of the importance of their presence at Washington on the first day of the session. I suggest to you that you also write to Harrison of Mo. and any of our friends, (if any such there be) who may be chosen in Indiana; and also to our Illinois friends. I make these suggestions to you freely supposing that possibly the necessity of an early attendance may not have occurred to many of our friends. I shall be happy to hear from you as soon as I reach Washington.' Reverse of the integral second page is addressed in Polk's hand and franked in the upper right of the panel, 'Free, J. K. Polk.' In very good condition, with light overall toning, tape repair to separation of integral page, light show through from text on reverse and tape repairs along folds and to missing areas of the second page. COA John Reznikoff/University Archives and RRAuction COA.
