Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1831-04-27
WAsHINGroN, April 10, 1881
The PRESIDENT.

WAsHINGToN, April l2, 1881.
Dear Sir,
Your letter resgnng the Office of Sec
rctary of State, was received last even
ing. could indeed wish that no circu cum-
stance had arisen to interrupt the rela-
Itions which have, for two years, subsst-
ed between us, and that they might have
continued through tho period which it
may be my lot to remain charged with
the dutc. which the paltality of my coun-
trymen has imposed upon me. But the
reasons you present are SO strong that,
with proper regard for them, | cannot
ask you, on my account, to remain IN the
Cabinet.
am aware Of the difficulties you have
had to contend with and of the benefits
which have resulted to the affairs ofyour
country, from your continued zeal in the
arduous tasks to which you have been
subjected TO say that ] deeply regret
to lose you, il but fcebly to express my
feelings on the occas ion.
When called by my country to the sta
ton which | occupy, it was not without Il
deep sense of It's arduous responsibilities,
and strong dstrus of myself, that l o.
beycd the call; but, cheered by the con-
sciouSncss that no other motive actuated
me, than desire to guard her interests,
and to place her upon the firm ground of
those great prime pies, which, by the Wis
est and purcst of our patriots, have been
deemed essential to her prosperity, | ven
tured upon the trust assigned me. did
this in the confident hope of finding the
support Of advisers able and true; who,
laying aside every thing but a desire to
give new vigor to the vital principle Of
our Union, would look with single eye
to the best means of cilecting this para
mount object. In you this hope has been
realized to the utmost. In the most dlt-
iicult and trying moments of my admins
tration, have always found you sincere,
able and efficient; anxious at all times to
afford me every aid. If, however, from
circumstances in your judgment sullic-
lent to make it necessary, the official ties
subsisiing between us must be severed, |
can only say that this necessity is deeply
lamcnted by me. part with you only
/ because you yourself have requested me
! to do so, and have sustained that request
! byrcasons strong enough to command my
! assent. | cannot, however, allow the
separation to take place, without express
sing the hope, that this retirement from
public affairs is but temporary, and that
! if, in any other station, the government
! should have occasion for services, the
value of which has been so sensibly felt
by me, yoilr consent will not be wanting
OF the state of things to which you adj
; vert, ! can but be fully aware. look
upon it with sorrow, and regret it the
; more, because one of It's first effects is I,
!, disturb the harmony of my cabinet. i
is however, but an instance OF one of tn,
evils to which free governments must ev
; cr be liable. The only remedy for thes,
evils, as they arise lies in the ntc tclligcnc,
and public spirit of our common constltu
= cnts They will correct them; and il
l this there is abundant consolation.
: cannot quit this subject without adding
that with the best opportunities for oh
II serving q Judging, have seen in you n
> other desire than 10 move quietly on Il
= the path oiy your duties, aud to promote tn
+ harmonious conduct ofpublic affairs.
- on this point YOU have had to cncountc
dCtractlon, it Is but another proof Of tn
! inSuilclency innocence and wort
II to shield from such assaults.
n Bc assured that the ntcrcs, YOU cx