Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1831-04-22

councils
Such being my impression, the path of duty is
plain: and not only submit with chccrfnlGess to
Whatever personal sacrifices may he involved IN the
surrender ot the station occupy; but / make II my
ambition 10 set example which, should 1t III the
progress of The Government be deemed notwith-
standing tho humility OF ITS origin, worthy OK respect
and observance, cannot, think, fail to prove
italy and permanently beneficial
ALLOW l., Sir, present one more view of the
suhicct:-Ynu have consented to stand before yosr
constituents for election OF their decision, rest
ing does upon the unbought suilra yes of free
numerous and widely extended people, it becomes
no man to speak with certainty. Judging, howev-
CIR, from the past, and making reasonable allow
for the fair exercise of the intelligence and
public spirit of your fellow citizens. cannot hcsi-
tate in adopting the belief that the confidence, as
well in your capacity for civil dutieo in your CT
VIC virtues, already so spontaneously displayed will
be manifested with INCREASED energy how, that all
candid observers must admit their utmost expecta-
lions to have been more than realized
ifth!s promise, so suspicious to the best interests
of our common country be fulfilled, the concluding
term of your administration will, in the absence of
any prominent of dscord among it's support ere,
afford most favorable opportunity for the full
comp!ishment of those important public objects, in
the prosecution Of which have witnessed your
part such steady vigilance and untiring devotion.
To the unfavorabe influence which my continuance
in your Cabinet. under existing circumstances, may
exercise upon this fatering prospect, cannot Sir,
without total disregard of the H. hts of experince
and without shutting my eyes to the obvious tenden-
UU,
moreover, from deep conviction of its Importance
to the country. been among the urgent of your
advisers to yield yourself to the obvious wishes of
the People, and knowing the sacrifice of personal
feeling which involved in your ucquiescence, [
cannot reconcile it to myself to be in any degree
the of embarrassment to you during the period
which, as it certa My will be of deep interest to your
country is destined to bring to its close,
your patriotic, toilsome and eveutful public life.
From these considerations | feel it to be doubly
my duty to resign post, the retention OF which is
calculated to attract assaults upon your admins
raiou, to which there might otherwise be no induce
ment-assaults of which, whaerer be their aim, the
most important well most injurious effect is,
upon those public interests which deserve and should
command the support of all good citizens. This duty,
should have discharged at earlier period, but for
considerations, partly of public, partly of person
al nature, connected with circumstances which were
calculated TO expose its performance then TO mlscon
struction and Misrepresentation
Having explained the motives which govern me
in thus severing. and with seeming abruptHess the
official ties by which we have been associated, there
remains but one duty for ME to perform 1t is to make
my profound and sincere Acknowledgements for that
steady support and cheering confidence which in the
discharge ofmy public duties, have, under all cir
cumstances, received your hands; as we'll as far
the personal kindness at all times extended to me.
Rest assured Sir, that the success of your admins
traton. and the happiness of your private life will
constitute objects of the deepest socitude with
Your sincere friend and obed4 servant.
The PRESIDENT. M VAN BUREN,.
WAsHtNGroN, April 10, 1881.
Dear Sn Your letter resIgnIng TIE office of Sc
cretary of State was received last evening could
indeed wish that no circumstance had arisen to in
terrupt the relations which have, for two years sub
sisted between us, and that they might have contin
ued through the period during which it NAV be nv
lot to remain charged with the duties which the pa r
tiaty of my countrymen has imposed upon me. But
the reasons you present are so strong that, with
proper regard for them, cannot ask you, on nv
account, to remain IN the Cabinet
am aware of the difficulties YOU have had 10 con
tend WITH and ofthe benefits which have resulted to
the affairs of your country, from your continued zeal
in the arduous tasks to which you have been subject
ed. To say that deeply regret to lose you, is but
feeby to express my feelings on the occasion.
When called by my country to the station which
/ occupy, it without deep sense of its ardu
Gus responsibilities and strong dist rust of myself
that obeyed the CALL but, chccred by the consci-
business that other motive actnated ME, than de
sire to guard her interests, and place her upon the
firm ground OF those great prnc pies which, by the
wisest and purest of our patriots have been deemed
essential to her prosperity venured upon the trust
assigned me- did this in the confident hope of find
ing the support of advisers, able and true; who lay
ing aside every thing but desire to give new vgor
to the vital principles of Union, would look with
single eye to the hest of effectng this para
mount object In you, this hope has been realized to
the utmost. In the most difficult and trying moments
of my administration, have alv avs found you sincere
able and efficent-anXous at all times to afford
every aid. If, however, from circumstances in your
Judgment sufficient to make it necessary, the official
ties subsisting between must be severed can only
say this necessity is deeply amented by me part
WIFI JOu o'hJ oSCauSe you yOuTSei nave requested
to do so, and have sustained that request by
sons stong enough to command my assent. cannot
however, allow the separation to take place. without
expressing the hope, that this retirement from public
affairs is but temporary; and that if, in any other
tion the government should have occasion for services
the value of which has been so sensibIy felt by me-
your consent will not be wanting.
OF the state Of things to which you advert, can
but be fully 1 look upon it with sorrow, and
regret it the more, because of its first eecsis to
disturb the harmony of my cabinet. 1t is, however,
but instance of of the evils to which free go
Yernmens must ever be liable. The only remedy for
these evils, they arise, lies in the intelligence and
public spirit of our common constituents. They will
correct themand in this there is abundant consola-
tion cannot quit this subject without adding that
with the best opportunities for observing and Judging,
have seen in you no other desire than to quiz
city on in the path of your duties, and promote the
harmonious conduct of public affairs If on this point
you have had 10 encounter detracon it is but another
proof of the utter insuficiency of innocence and
worth to shield from such assaults.
BE assured that the interest you express in my hap
piness is most heartily reciprocated-thst my most
cordial feelings accompany you, and that am, very
sincerely, your friend. ANDREW JACKSON.