Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1831-07-27
Mr.. hgham to Col. johnson.

New Horn, July 18th, 1881
Dear Sir: have received a copv of vour letter NJ
the Both ult to Mr. Berrien and myself forwarded by
him from Washington relating to an allegation made
IN the newspapers, that Gen. Jackson had required
through member of Congress, of Messrs. Branch
Berren, and myself, that families should associate
with Mrs. Eaton had also noticed the publication in
the Telegraph to which you REFER and another of the
same import in New York paper of an earlier date,
and suPPosing it probable i'll the existing state of the
public mind, that the discussion would take such n
range as TO involve all the parties that transaction in
the necessity OF making explanations, had commence
ed the preparation OF copies of statement of the com
versatiOn which you have referred as well that be-
tween you and me, that between Gen Jackson and
myself on the same subject intending soon as they
could be Completed TO send linn and another TO
yourself Upon the receipt Of your letter. imlnedi-
aeiy wrote you note expressing intention To wait
Tor the further comparison of recollections before
made any determination TO the disposition of NV
statement. But two articles in the Globe of the lth
inst which YOU have doubt seen reached me before
my letter mailed, and arrested It's progress These
articles far they relate to this subject bear on
their face The evidence of having been authorized by
General Jackson and yourself and leave me no choice
as to the publication of my statement The article
which | supposed to have been authorized bv Won
shows that you have also taken dferent view of this
matter since your letter TO before referred to- was
written l could not otherwise reconcile your re-
monsrance against publication of what you then
deemed confidential conversation, with the authority
alleged by the Globe to publish your denial of the
statement alluded to at least, without a previous in
terchange OF recolecons between all the parties con-
opinion that there any obligation Of secrecy
imposed on me, those associated with me- TO be- I'M
piled from the friendly character of the conversation
referred TO. The communication made TO me by Won
that my continuance in Office would depend upon the
consent Of my family to visit Mrs Eaton and invite
her to their large parties, considered at the time
though not intended by YOU in its nature often
sve. 1t could not, therefore, carry with il the conf
dental obligation which belongs TO the usual inter
course of friendship ] regarded the proposition as
wounding to my feelings, and had determined to re-
sIgn my Office, after you informed me that Gen
Jackson had changed his ground, from which was
only dissuaded by the remonsirances of the
friends consulted, who urged among other consdera-
tons, that although my personal respect for the Pres-
dent might be impaired, my services in the Depart
ment were for the country, and while it was faithfully
served could not be uniatu to the Administration
A proposition thus disposed of could be regarded as
any thing rather than imposing obligation of friend
ly confidence. But find additional reason for pub
LEGATION growing out of your letter its apparent dsa
greement from my statement and its adinontory suo-
gestons could not fall whenever the whole matter shall
be brought out, which is inevitable in the present state
of the public mind to expose the inputation of
having shrunk from doing what duty to my own cha
Tacter, If not to the country seemed 20 demand can
not therefore accord in your desire that no publication
shall be made, any than in the views of the
obligation of secrecy which you have suggested. I
would prefer however, to accompany the publication
with that OF your letter Of the Both uimo but not hay
ing received any ntmatou Of your wishes that sub
jec it will require deliberatOn to determine what