LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES, } LONDON, January 18, 1856 } MY DEAR SIR:— ...... Many thanks for your friendly wishes. They are cordially reciprocated. Your kindly feelings towards myself have doubtless greatly magnified my popularity at home, but were the Presidency within my reach, which I am far from believing, I might then exclaim: “Will fortune never come with both hands full? She either gives a stomach and no food, Or else a feast and takes away the stomach.” I cannot yet say when I shall return home, but I expect by every steamer to hear of the appointment of my successor. Indeed, I have been greatly disappointed in being detained here so long. After my relief it is my purpose to pay a brief visit to the continent. At the latest, God willing, I expect to be at home some time in April—possibly before the end of March. Without a secretary of legation, my letters must be brief. For this I know you will excuse me. With my best wishes for your health and happiness, I remain always, Very respectfully, your friend, JAMES BUCHANAN. [TO MR. MARCY.] LONDON, January 25, 1856. MY DEAR SIR:— From present appearances the Central American questions can lead to no serious difficulties with England. Public opinion would here seem to be nearly altogether in favor of our construction of the treaty. Such I learn, is the conversation at the clubs and in society; and with the _Times_, as well as the _Daily News_ on our side, and this in accordance with public sentiment, we might expect a speedy settlement of these questions, if any statesman except Lord Palmerston were at the head of the government. He cannot long remain in power, I think, after peace shall have been concluded. I expect to go to Paris after the 12th of February, and may write to you from there, should I have a conversation with Louis Napoleon. I shall see Lord Clarendon early next week, and you may expect by the next steamer to hear the result of my reading your despatch to his lordship. I still continue firm in the belief that peace will be concluded, though it is manifestly distasteful to the British people.