Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1831-05-25

subject ot The recent changes in The Ca
btnet, too gentleman Of North Ca'oIina.
NsuINGToN CRY, May Sd, 1891.
My DEAR SIR,--You have no doubt,
before this, seen in the papers, accounts
OF the resignation of the Secretary of
State, and the Secretary of " ar, and the
dismissal of the other members of the
Cabinet.
The letters of the two former addressed
to the President of the L. =. present their
reasons; ;and the motives for the dismissal
of the others are assigned IN the answer of
the President 10 the Secretary Of the
Treasury and myself In these, the Pres
idcnt admits that the dismissed officers
have faithfully discharged their rcspec-
tive duties. But lutlmatcs that the want
of harmony in the Cabinet, and the pro-
lection of the two retiring Secretaries,
'irom unjust msconceplIon and maIig-
nant Interpretations" made ii ncces-
sary the others should 90 out also.
So far as regards the members Of the
Cabinet, this measure is comparatively of
little moment. 1t Is, however, matter
of deep concern as affecting the charac-
ter OF the Government. In this point Of
view the American people have a right
to know the whole truth, from whence
the alleged discord originated; and by
whom and for what purpose, it has been
tostered aud in what respect and where
fore it has been connected with the pub
lie administration of the affairs ofthe Ma
ton. The President is bound to make
these explanations to the people.
If it were Intended To be minated
that am responsible for the want of har-
mony in the Cabinet, the charge is unjust.
! deny that | pursued course that invi-
ted hostility. On the contrary, | went
as far as a man of honor could 90 in en-
deayoring to promote good understand
ing and cordial official Cooperation with
all the members OF the Cabinet. But
it seems was expected to go still fart her
and not doing so, it has been held good
cause for my dismissal. lfit is asked
why | did not abandon the Cabinet and
expose to the world the malign influence
by which it was embarrassed; | would
reply, that constantly looked forward to
favorable change. That especially
relied for this upon the wisdom, frmncss
and Justice of the Chief Magistrate.
have been disappointed. have had the
deep modification to see him gradually
discarding from his councils and friend
ship his old and long tried supporters and
throwing himself into the arms of persons
whose cold hearted scllishness and arti-
fees were played off upon him for TRUE
and faithful service.
Rest assured, however, that whatever
may be the public Judgment as to the
merits of this question, no consideration
arising from personal feeling will induce
me to take course which | should not
believe calculated to maintain the char
acter and promote the interest OF the State
which gave me birth.
Business of Importance, especially as
enabling me to settle down permanently
in North Carolina, will probably require
nv presence in Tennessee, where ms Y
be detained until August next On my
return to my family, | hope to meet you,
when shall be highly grallicd to renew
that social and friendly intercourse, which
heretofore, so much to my satisfaction,
has subssted between Us.
! In the mean time, beg youto receive
assurances of great respect and esteem.
JOHN BRANCH.