Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-09-19

disclose with sufficient cearness to whom am
Indebted for the long covert and at last open at
lacks upon me and my household, as we'll as their
purpose Certain gentlemen, who styled them
selves the personal. political, and ions-tred
friends Of the President" undertook, 1t seems,
without his knowledseor consent, to arrange and
6s his Cabinet. I, who had been his particular
friend and associate for twenty years; who had
! adhered TO him :. through good report and thro'
evil report" during two bitter contests for the
Presidency, aud who, against my wishes, was Sc
lec,ed as a member of his Cabinet. was to be Set
aside, as unworthy. IN the estimation OF these
pentienIen, to associate with him, or to partici-
nate in his councils. This secret cabal oil eXcu-
sve friends, advised Mr.. Beriien TO accept seat
in the Cabinet, under the secret expectation that
| would be driven from it. BY the same per.
sons, Judge Mclean was arranged to The war
Department. their object icing expressly 10 get
rid Of me. They advised Messrs insham. branci,
and Berrien, to clpave fast to their hold, which
they did, even under alleged '',ndlgnity aud III
sult'' too. in the conGdent hope that the Pre-
sident would speedily see and correct the evil"
! Without the Presidents knowledge, and with.
out nine, tins cabal Of personal, political. and
| ong-tricd friends,' were thus endeavorng to
control all the Cabinet arrangements: and secret
ly place around the President men Of their selec-
,iun aud stamp. /, was not FOR him 10 select his
own counse!ur., or decide who were his "pcr-
sonal, political, and !ongtri'd trends men
who had supported him only when they had lost
all hope Of Mr.. Galhoun-who had joined his
standard only when their iavorite candidate had
disappeared from the contest; and who bad sup
porte, him as secondary chpce-your lnshams,
Berrlens. and others. were now arrosatins TO De-
come his exclusive couhsel!orS' ana 10 Wrust
| from his presence, as unworthy ui MS trns' an"
confidence, those who had supported hinI 'or Ills
own sake-whose attachment was cemented by
years of confidential intereourse-whnse faith and
energies were pledged TO has support-and whose
lhopes were all concentrated in the success and
prosperity of his Administration.
Mr. Branch was made the instrument Of ADLER
heads, and attempted to become manager in this
business In his recent letter, he mcntiOnsa call
which he made on the President previous TO my
nomination To the Senate, at which lie arrogantiy
represented that my selection would be improper
and unfortunate, and gave his reasons, which APP
pear to have related solely to my family. lie al
so states he then came to advise me against ac-
ceptny place in the CABINET. admitting that the
charges made against my family were false, but
representing ''wha, use the opposition would make
of it," and that 1.-THE enemies of the Presi-
dent would not fail to make handle OF IT,
He says that he placed Mrs. Jackson and Mrs.
Eaton Oh the same footing, and desired to save
the President 8" from recoections which would
be painful and distressing" Mr.. Branch has
treacherous recollection. He kept no note book,
or like his co-par,nrr, Mr.. Ingham, he has &C
commodated his notes to emergencies. can put
him right in this affair not doubling his admission
of the truth of the narration offer, if honor be
left HIM, although he may deny the motive which
feel persuaded influenced him al the time.
Failing in the attempt to prevent my appoint
ment, aud to dissusde rather deter me from
accepting, MIR Branch was next made the instru-
ment of piece of secret management, having IN
view the same result.
1t was suggested TO the President after the first
arrangement Of the Cabinet was made, that Mr..
M'Ledn entertained objections against remaining
in the Post Office Department. 1t was known
that the President was disposed to crafty him, by
placing him in another Department, If he could
do with proper regard to others previously Sc
lectcd. This, it seems, taken in connection with
my kown repugnance, under any circumstances,
to undertake the lahors of that Department, fur
nisbed hint to those who wished my exclusion
from the Cabinet nf which they FASTENED TO avail
themselves. Mr.. Branch declared that the Pre-
sident tight ploce him whsre he pleased; he should
be satisfied: and proposed to me, that we should,
If the President approved If. assent to the plac-
r..
signed to US, as he might choose, to which as
seated. The War, Navy. and Post Office De-
partments were then considered open to re-assign-
ment, according to the will of the President The
result was Mr. M'Lean was arranged to the War
Department, Mr.. Branch TO the Post Office, and
my self to the Navy Department This did not
meet the object. Mr. Branch made unexpected
difficulties. and at the desire Of those who pro-
posed The change, the original arrangement was
restored.
I suspected no other than fair and honest mo
tive IN all this, but we are now informed, through
the expusiiions recently made IN the Telegraph.
that all Mr. Branch's movements originated ~ the
s.ad vice" Of certain "psrsonai political, andiong
tried friends ofhhe Pres,de"t," given with view
as is now expressly stated, "tO re'nore' me from
the Cabinet. :.
At length the Cabinet was formed. Mr.. Ber-
ren expressly saws. that he entered it. only be-
cause he expected .'the President himself would
speedily see and cnrrect the esii' Of my appoint
meu,.& that he clealy foresaw the evils which
a