The Cause of the U.S. Civil War
John C. Calhoun to Littleton Waller Tazewell, August 25, 1827
Page 2
to the Harrisburgh convention.
It is indeed a portentous
sign of the times, and
must be followed with
the most marked con-
sequences. To the reflecting
mind, it clearly indicates
the weak part of our
system, and the corruption
to which it must lead,
unless speedily corrected.
The part least guarded,
requires the strongest guards.
The freedom of debate, the
freedom of the press, the
division of power into
the three branches, with
responsibility, afford,
in the main, efficient
Original documents at the John C. Calhoun Collection, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress.
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