Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1831-07-27

night 10 interfere i'm TINS matter The repkes Of tho
other gentlemen were, according 10 my recolection
substantially the same-but shall enclose copies of
your letter to he and leave them speak for them
selves.
The impression which this conversation made upon
my mind is clear and distinct and il is not probable
that it could have been efaced from INV memory NV
own disposition was instantly to resign my Office In
conseniing to retain IT, yielded the opinions OF
those in whose Judgment had confidence and TO INV
of what due the interests of (Senrp, nj
that particular juncture
My remembrance of this conversation is moreover
confirmed by recollection of what occurred on my
subsequent interview with the President in which
particular reference made TO it. When he spoke
of combination between Messrs. Ingham and Branch
and myself, to exclude Mrs h. from society claimed
as matter OF right To know the of the persons
by whom such representation had been made. He
said the Impression had been derived from the various
rumors which had reached him; spoke of the parties
winch had been given by those gentlemen and myself
to which Mrs r. had not been invted-aud added that
the reports against her foul colunnies / remon.
slrated against his having adopted op.on dshonor
able to any member of his Cabinet mere rn,nor but
expressly declined to discuss the question of the tuh
or talsehood of the reports to which he had refereed
telling him, that, without undertaking to decide whe-
Their they were true false, it my purpose merely
to conform to the general OF the community of
which had become 4 member and that could be
induced TO change that determination. The decision
of the President not pursue this matter further,
understood at the time to have been produced by the
representations OF some of his most intimate personal
friends.
Such is my understanding of the conversation re-
ferred to in your letter iOo& it the origin and
continuing IF the distraction Of the party which
has thus lost the OF doing much good which it
might have effected. But not DESTROYS to brut il
to the world If, without iinpu,ng me the alleged
want of harmony in the Cabinet, my retirement is
placed the ground of the Presidents mere will so
far as am concerned it is we'll do dispute ms
right TO exercise that he thinks fit but for the sake
OF my children, will not submit TO the continued mis-
representations of the public journals The legacy
have to beqaeath them, is the untarnsied reputation
of their father. easily conceive Also that state
OF things may exist, in which u of duty to the
public will compel me to speak. But hope such an
emergency will not arise.
ought perhaps 80 add that have already stated to
Major Eaton the substance of this far it was ne
cesssry 10 answer call which he made upon me 10
avow or disavow the statement in the Telegraph that
my family had refused to associate with his. Ii was
not necessary however, to mention your name and it
was consequently not mentioned. | spoke of tie in
terview as having been had with "a gentleman who
represented himself acting, and who doubt not did
act under the authority of the President" Having
now replied to your letter, will only add that should
our recolectons differ, shall regret it. But that
have taken great not to put down any thing which
is not distinctly impressed upon mine. am, dear sir,
respectfully, yours,
JOHN MACPHERSON BERRIEN.
Hon. r. M JOHNSON