Franklin+Pierce

=Franklin Pierce = =The 14th President of United States of America=





= #1 March 1850 =  // Frankly, I never thought I would have to chance to write in this old shabby journal again. Many things have happened since I left for the Mexican-American War three years ago. As soon as entered the war, I was appointed brigadier general. I was given the honor to take command of reinforcements under General Winfield Scott. My experience is inexplicable. The countless battles, bloodshed, and the sound of men bellowing has fatigued my mind and soul. It must be a sign from Him; I was taken off the field because my legs started to throb uncontrollably. I can sense my peers’ ungrateful sights; I can tell some of them believe I left the field using my leg pain as an excuse. Its not true though- I proved them wrong by commanding the rest of the reinforcement, succeeding capturing Mexico City. However, I was heavily homesick, and my leg was not curing. Therefore, I resigned from my position and returned back to New Hampshire.

Now I am back home, I sold my house. The nation upon my return seems healthy. I’ve heard there has been numerous conflicts with the issue of slavery, but as been quelled by the Compromise of 1850. I fully support the Compromise of 1850. Many people suggest I try running for public office ever since I resigned from the Senate. Although I take interest in politics, I have no intention of accepting offers of office.

My family has doing well, it seems like Bennie is sick. After the death of my other two sons, I feel like there is nothing I can do. My wife, Jane is exhausted. Frank’s death brought agony to her. She has been suffering nightmares ever since. //

= #2 November 1852 =

//It is November, the month my second son Frank died. My wife doesn’t want to relive the horrible experience. I agree- we both have our hopes on Bennie. He’s now 11 and probably the brightest boy anyone can wish for. He is the a light Jane and I look at for hope and love. However, I’m in a dilemma these days. Upon my return from the Mexican War, my friends here in new Hampshire has proposed that I run as a nominee of the Presidential elections of 1852. When I accepted that proposal, joined the nominations late; just after the 34th vote. Luckily, I was seen as a good compromise and was voted unanimously to be the nominee of the Democrats. My fellow Democrats helped me along the way to reach my dream I’ve never thought of.

The Whigs would try everything to cut my reputation down. Those snobs. They would accuse me of cowardice and drunkenness; but their strategy was definitely not working. Fools, they are. Such hypocrites. It is Winfield Scott who is the real coward! The weakling refused a fueling challenge from Andrew Jackson! Scott, most definitely a military dictator in blood! The end justifies the means; I won by a huge electoral difference. I would have to admit; my popularity was due to the fact I fully adhere the Compromise of 1850 and the Fugitive Act. Though this country is enjoying a time of tranquility from the Compromise of 1850, I do see this will not last long. It is well written by both Henry Clay and Stephen Douglas. However, the question of slavery is a topic that will always be in conflict. I do, however, hope to expand the country. I believe in Manifest Destiny and that we must continue expanding for the United State's own safety.

Although busy, I have been doing well. My dear friend Hawthorne introduced me to Edgar Allan Poe. Hawthorne is still working on my biography, so we had lunch last week. He seems to find Poe an interesting character; I shall try reading his novels soon. The one concern I have is Jane. She is disgusted by my choice to return to politics. I did not keep her promise that I will never join the nomination. After my win, she accused me of lying to her instead of congratulating me. I know she has been in distress since Frank’s death. She’s already fainted several times this year. Only if our Bennie stays healthy everything will be fine. //

= #3 December 1854 = // Diary, I apologize for my absence for two years, but the past two years have been a disaster. My son...our Bennie...died. Jane and I saw the entire thing with my bare eyes. Our Bennie..O Bennie... Jane fainted. Our third son unable to reach even adolescence. It was just two months before I was inaugurated. Jane doesn’t talk anymore; she just stays in her room staring at the blank space. She hardly eats. Although I was struck with grief and hatred, I could not let my personal issues distract my duties.

I have been awfully busy trying to succeed that goal of mine to expand the US territory. I believe more land will enhance US security. Therefore, I tried acquiring more territory in Latin America. My goal was to annex Nicaragua with help from William Walker which failed. However, I did gain some territory from Mexico in the Gadsen Purchase. Many people question me about the Ostend Manifesto but I honestly don’t want to talk about it. Those awful journalists! They published my letter and ruined my plan to acquire Cuba. My fellow companion James Buchanan also signed the Manifesto.

O, did I mention the oriental country Japan has opened herself to American trade? I do see the US is expanding more and more!

The biggest issue is the Kansas-Nebraska Act. Stephen Douglas proposed it. I disliked the proposal; I was positive it would bring national controversy, but eventually signed it. I had do. The pressure was incredible. As I had guessed, the Act made the North unhappy. Such controversies erupted just like I had guessed. ////I had to send Federal troops to seize the violence right away. ////What was that fool, Douglas, thinking? //

source: []

= #4 September 1856 = // I find the chaos on the Senate floor ridiculous. The derogatory remarks and the beating! Horrific! I have heard Brooks has been arrested and fined an adequate amount to punish his deeds. I hear Charles Sumner has been severely injured. I wish him all my best. This happening just strikes me to reality. As my premonition few years ago in my past diary, the Compromise isn’t holding for long. I would like to have a second term in office to quell disruptions, but that doesn’t seem to be likely as my party is refusing to nominate me.

I am deeply confused. The strife has been continuing for two years. I continue sending armies but I do not know if this is the right thing to do. Hundreds are dying and the more times passes by, the farther away solutions seems to be in reach. This imbecile..John Brown refuses to give up. I do not see how to absolve this mess. Do I lack vision for the country? The issues? The people?. I can not think straight. People are creating a revolution against the rightful leaders by forming the Topeka Constitution. Jane continues to refuse to talk to me. We both miss Bennie very much, but her indifference has been less of a help. She has made herself a recluse and has made me exhausted and lost. She just writes to our dead son every night...

But peaceful condition of things in Kansas can be achieved. I have decided, it is my responsibility to brings things straight again; I need a second term in office. However, I do not think it is possible for my fellow Democrats refuse to nominate me. They have turned their backs and are now supporting James Buchanan. I do wish for a second term...I can set things straight... //

//Hearing of people such as Dred Scott tire me. These slaves! All I want to do is keep the union together. I see the ruthless happenings in the South but I have no choice. It is my job to keep the nation together. If I better the South for their misdeeds, they will rebel and the union will fall apart. Trying to keep the South happy has been tiring...now I see the North is not too happy... //

source: []

= #4 December 1860 =

=
//I returned back from traveling overseas with Jane after retiring from office about a year ago. My loss in the nominations for the reelection fainted my passion for politics, which explains the blank pages since then. When I returned back, the sectional crisis was becoming more evident and possibly violent. The North and the South criticizing each other of over exaggerated accusations. Now that the division is becoming clearer, my fellow crony from the Democratic party asked me to run for the presidential nomination. As one of the very few men in the area that has the belief of uniting the South and the North, people are looking up to me for answers. But I declined the offer. Jane is finally starting to smile again and I need all the rest I can get. I don't regret reclining the offer.// =====

=
//Frankly, I see the entire Northern abolitionism wave as madness. It is unnecessary. I would "never justify, sustain, or in any way or to any extent uphold this cruel, heartless, aimless unnecessary war", which is another reason I would rather stay out the conflict and decision making. The country is swindling under more turmoil each day! When I was in office, my strong opposition to abolition of slavery had evoked me to support that Compromise of 1850. Now, these people are moving towards abolitionism! What good can abolition bring? What would southerners do without slaves? There is a quite logical reason behind the proslavery views in the South. One should listen to my close friend, and the Confederate leader, Jefferson Davis' reasoning!// =====

=
//But yes, Abraham Lincoln has been elected into office. He I don't see that man with positive sight. I have been hearing rumors that he is considering suspending habeas corpus. What a fool! If he does suspend it, he is abusing civil liberties and judicial order.// //"I wish I could indulge higher hope for the future of our country, but the aspect of any vision is fearfully dark and I cannot make it otherwise".// =====


citation http://law.jrank.org/pages/9208/Pierce-Franklin.html http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/rightsandfreedoms/a/habeuscorpus.htm

citations

[] []