Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1831-04-29
10 the Presidcn. U. s.

WASHINGTON, April 18th, 1881
Sir: your letter of this date by your son. just re-
ceVed-accompanying it is your commission. The
sending of the latter was not necessary: it is youl
own private property, and by no means to be cons
dered part of the archives of the Government Ac-
cordingly return it,
There is one expression in volIr letter n which
take leave to except. did not, as to yourSeT en-
press wish that you should retire The Secretary
OF state and OF War, having rendered their resuna-
tons, remarked to you that felt it to be lndlspen
sable 10 re-organlZe my Cabinet, proper,-tat it had
come IN tremendously, and as u unit; and as mart
was about to leave me, which Tomorrow would
be announced reorganization was necessary TO
guard against misrepresentation. These were nv
remarks, made to you in candor ard sincerity Your
letter gives different impcrt to my words
your letter contains no remark your parf5rn,-
ing the duties of the office until successor can be Sc
Iectel On this subject should b. glad know
your views am, very respectfully, yours,
ANDREW JACKSON.
The Hon JouH BRAHcH,
Secretary fthe Navy.
WASHINGTON, April 19th 1851.
Sin have the honor to acknowledge the receipt
ofyours of this date, in answer to mine of the same
In reply to your remark that there is one express
sion IN my letter TO which you must except | would
respectfully answer that. gave what unders; God
be the substance of your conversation. | did not
pretend to quote your language.
regret that misunderstood you in the slightest
degree J. however, stand corrected, and cheerfIlIy
accept the interpretation which you have given TO
your expression.
shall freely continue MY best exertions to dis
charge the duties Of the DepIrt eat until you pro
vide successor
have S the honor to be, with the greatest respect,
To tho PRESIDENT s.
WAsurNGToN, April 90, 1881
Sir; Late last evening, had the honor to receive
your letter, of that date rendering your resignation
or the Office of Secretary of the Navy
W hen the resignation of the Secretary of State
and Secretary OF War were rendered, | considered
fully the reasons offered and all the circumstances
connected with the subject After mature deIibp-
ration, concluded to accept those designations But
when this conclusion was come to, it was accompa-
med with conviction that must entirely renew nv
Cabinet. Its members had been invited by me 10 the
Ionsthey occuped-it had together in great
harmony. and as unit. Under the circums, ances
III which found myself, | could not but perceive
the property OF selecting a cabinet composed of
entirely new materials, as being calculated, in this
respect at least to command public confidence and
satisfy public opinion. Neither could be inspnsibia
10 the TACT that to permit only to retire would
oe TO afford room tor unjust misconceptions and ma
lIgnant misrepresentation concerning the influence
Of heir particular presence upon the conduct Of pub
lie affairs Justice to the individuals whose public
spirit had mpeied them to tender their resignations
also required, then, my opinion, tie decision which
nave stated. However painful to my own feelings
II became necessary that | should frankly make
known to you nay view ofthe whole subject
in accepting your resignation, it is with great
pleasure that bear testimony to the integrity and
Zeai with winch YOU have managed the concerns Of
the Navy. In your discharge of all the dntirs nj
your ctuce over which have any control have been
ny satisfied and in your retirement YOU carry with
you my best wishes for your prosperity and happ-
ness. 1t Ia expected that you will continue to dis
charge The duties OF you: office until your successor
Is appointed.
have he honor 10 be, with great respect, your
mos obedlent servant ANDREW JACKSOT
joins BRANcH, Secretary of the Navy.