Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1824-05-14

prevent the reorganization md revival Of the
FEDERAL party, which, IL my hypothesis is true
that the existence Of party is not necessary t.
free government, and the other opinion whic
I have advanced is we'll founded, that TN.
great body Ofth federal party are republican.
will not be found impracticable. To accom-
plish both objects, and thereby exterminate
al party divisions in our country, and give
new strength and stability to our government,
is q great undertaking, not easily executed
I am, nevertheless, decidedly of opinion that
il may be done, and, should the experimen
fail, shall conclude that its failure was impu-
table more to the want ola correct knowls dge
Of all circumstances claiming attention, and Of
sound judgment IN the measures adopted, than
TO any other cause. I agree, l think perfectly,
with you, 10 the grand object, that moderation
should be shewn to the federal party and even
generous policy be adopted towards it (; the only
difference between us seems To be, how far
shall that spirit be indulgsd in the onset; and
it is to make you thoroughly acquainted with
my views on this highly important subject,
that have written tn you so freely ON it,
or the gentleman Of whom you have spoken,
l think as you do, Of which ] gave him proof
when in the Department of War, by placing
him in the Board Of Officers for digesting and
reporting system of discipline for the Army !:
aud, afterwards, by other tokens nf conf
dence; and add, with pleasure, that should
BE- gratifed, regarding the feelings and claims
above stated, TO find an opportunity at pro
temptation occur, 10 add other proofs of my
good opinion and high respect for him.
In the formation Of an administration, Il
appears to me that the representative princi-
pie ought to he respected, in certain degree
at least, and that the Head Of Department,
There being four, should be taken from the
four great sections ofthe Union, the East, the
Middle, the South, snd The West. This prin-
eipIe should not he always adhered TO. Great
emergencies and franscendant taients would
always justify - departure from it. But it
would produce good Effect to attend to il,
when practical BILE. Each part of the Union
would be gratified by il and the knowledge of
l"cal details, and means, which would be here
by brought into the cabinet, would be useful
i am no wise compromised in respect to any
one, hut free 4" act, according to my Judgment,
IN which am thankful for the opinions Of nv
friends, aud particularly for yours.
On the subject Of Notifications, or works
for the defence Of the coast and frontiers,
an arrangement has lately hecn made by the
President, with which wish Ysu To be well
acquainted. Yc. have, heretofore, I presume,
been apprised, that Gen. Bernard of the
w C<u0tIfctS, uUQtT Tue TtcOm-
rnenda'ion If Gen. Lafayette, and many o.
there of great distinction in France, had offer
I'd ms services to the United States, and that
me President had been authorized, by a reso-
tnfion ofCongress, TO accept them, confining
Ms rank u the grade of the Chief Of our
s-"rPs. This resolution being communicated
to Geo. Bernard, by the late Secretary of War,
10 HON he was known, he came over in com
p,ance with the Invitation which accompani
ed il. From Mr.. Qaiatn he brought letters,
stating that he was the seventh in rank in the
corps, and inferior Ia none in reputation and
talents, il not first. II repaired much deIicacy
inihe arrangement, tn take advantage of his
knowledge and experience, in n manner ac
crptable To himself, without wOunding the
feelings Of the officers of our own corpa, who
had rendered such useful services, and were
entitled To the confidence and protection of
their country. The arrangement adopted
will, think, accomplish, fully, both objects
The President has instituted Board of Off
cert to consist at five members, two of high
Tank in the corps, General Bernard, the engi-
neer Steach station, (of young Gadsdep. for
example. al New Orleans,) and the naval 9th
Ger commanding there, whose duty il is made
I" exarpioe the whole coast, and report such
WEEKS az are necessary for its defence, to the
Chief Engineer who shall report the same To
the Secretary Of War, with hi, remarks, 10 be
laid before the President. McRre and Tot
zen are s0okeno of, far the two RIst, who, with
Grnera' Bernard, will continue till the service
Is performed the two latter will change with
the station. The General com manding each
division will he officially appraised of this ar.
'angrment, that he may be- present, when he
plrasrs, and give such aid as he NAV think fit
The attention of the Board will he directed TO
the inland fr"ntiers, likewise. In this way, il
Is thought that the feelings of no one can be
hurt. We shall have four of our officers, ia
every consultations, against one foreigner, so
that, 1t the opinion of the latter becomes of
any essential use, ii must be by his con, incing
ms colleagues. when they differ that he has
feason on his side. I have seen Gen, Beer.
nard, and find him n modest, unassurpipg
man, who preferred orr country, in the pre-
sent Stale OF Fiance, TO any in Europe, in
aone ut which he was offered employ ment.
and N any of which hs might probably have
found II. He understands that he is never 10
have the command of the corps, but always
WIZ rank second in IT,
This letter, you will perceive, is highly con-
nurnt'"i; relation which wish always to
sA'st oetwern us. Write me, as you have
oonc, Witnnuf resrrvr-and, the more So the
"3rc gratifying your Communications will b.,
WIN great respect and since regard. yours.
JAMES MONROE.
=, Nashville, January 6, 1877. =
DEAN SIR have the pleasure to ,cknow ledge
the recepi Of your letter of the 1dh December I,s,
tsfaction
Your idea of the Importance of the late acon;rsd