Page:Works of John C. Calhoun, v5.djvu/12

 VI ADVERTISEMENT. stance, independently of its style and the general opinion at the time, which would seem to strengthen the conclusion that he was its author. Mr. Porter of Pennsylvania was, indeed, the Chair- man of the Committee at the time, and presented the Report to the House ; but the circumstance referred to, if true, goes to show that he only held the position nominally. On the meeting of Congress, the Speaker (Mr. Clay) felt himself greatly embarrassed in deciding on the relative claims of Messrs. Lowndes, Cheves and Calhoun,—all members from the same State,—to prominent posi- tions on the most important Committees. Mr. Calhoun,—the youngest of the three,—being told of this, immediately waited on Mr. Clay, and requested that his colleagues should be preferred. He was, however, placed second on the Committee of Foreign Relations ; and, at the first meeting of its members, during his absence, he was, on motion of Mr. Porter, unanimously chosen to preside over their deliberations. This account, if true,—and the Editor (though he speaks not on the authority of Mr. Calhoun) has no reason to doubt it,—will at least excuse the error, if any there be, in placing the Report amongst his productions. MEADOWGROVE, Dec. 10th, 1854.