Van Buren Says the Democratic Party Will Succeed So Long As It Follows Jefferson’s Principles

Thomas Jefferson founded what evolved into the Democratic Party, and Van Buren was a keen student of that party’s principles (and the first true party politician to occupy the White House). He believed that as long as the Democrats adhered to Jefferson’s precepts, they would be successful. In this letter, Van Buren pays homage to Jefferson and reiterates this belief.

It is not, I assure you, possible that any one can cherish a higher respect for the memory of Mr. Jefferson, or be more sincerely disposed to do it honor then myself; He was the undisputed founder of our political school

Letter Signed as Vice President, 2 pages, Washington, April 11, 1835, to prominent Philadelphia Democratic politicians Henry Horn and Samuel Hart, business executive L.M. Troutman, and two others.  “I regret that circumstances put it out of my power to avail myself of your polite invitation to attend the celebration of the anniversary of the birth of Thomas Jefferson by the Democratic citizens of the City & County of Philadelphia.  It is not, I assure you, possible that any one can cherish a higher respect for the memory of Mr. Jefferson, or be more sincerely disposed to do it honor then myself.  He was the undisputed founder of our political school & whilst we sincerely respect his principles & in good faith observe his precepts, we have nothing to fear from any assault that can be made upon it…”  An uncommon Van Buren letter as vice president, and quite appropriate, as the Jeffersonian Democrats dominated the party and the nation in the period from 1800-1861.