Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1833-12-19

lrespopdsncs between the President and the
head Of u department
Allow mo respectfully 10 say, that, Il was
not with q view To . further discussion, that
! presented my reasons for declining to act,
sgreeabiy 90 your direction, In removing the
depositcs, but TO justify my refusal nor Was
Il my desire or Intention that any matter con-
tsiped in my letter should be disrespcc,fui,
or open TO such = superstition; that any thing
therein should be 80 construed, very mach
regret.
My object throughout WIS TO justify the
course, ON the two points stated in my letter
which. under the most solemn impre ssions,
felt il to be my duty TO pursue.
To shcw you my obligations, Z presented a
copy OF my commission, n copy Of my oath
Of Office, and a copy Of the law giving the
Secretary Of the Treasury the discretion TO
change the public depository; to shew you
upon what relied. In my course Of conduct.
quoted your letter Of Juno 26th, and your
exposition Of the 18th instant. In order TO
Justify my refusal 60 resign, . described the
circumstances under which your letter Of Ju-
~ -, and my reply Of the same date, were
written, and showed the new posture in which
] was placed by subsequent reflection and
occurrences.
When ! entered your administration, I had
no knowledge that you had come To any de-
cision on the dcposite question, or that you
meditated a change of depository without the
action Of Congress.
As soon as I was made acquainted with
your views, anxiously sought 20 accord with
them; and, rs you invited q full disclosure Of
my thoughts, by assuring me, in your letter
of the Goth Of June, that you did not intend
to interfere " ith the indie pei dcnt exercise Of
the discretion committed To mo by Law over
the deposiies, opened myself freely to you,
against any change Of the depository; ut all
subsequent stages, although have Kept my
self open to explanation, I have invariably
declined TO make that change, and remain
in the same resolution still.
Permit me respectfully to say, that am
not aware, that my willingness or unwilling
ness, 10 afford you an opportunity TO select a
successor, could have had any influence or
bearing upon any question before the Cabinet;
bat am willing 10 meet that consideration,
as well rs those stated to you this day in our
interview.
In short, sir, as I stated to you, at that in
terview, my course il 1ustihcatory towards
you: desire no unkind feeling, I have no
unkind purpose; however ardent or unusual
my language may be, il is ut least sincere.
Allow me, then, very respectfully to state,
rs declared ut our interview, that, under the
most serious convictions Of my duty, refuse
To aid, assist, or in any way participate in the
proposed change of the public depository
that refuse TO relinquish a post conferred
upon me by the law-and that, without in the
most remote degree meaning any sort Of dis
respect TO you, protest against any interfer-
ence, on your part, with powers and duties
which, l believe, were designedly withheld
from the President, and committed 10 the Sc
eretsry Of the Treasury, the fiscal agent Of
the law.
With fcrvcnt wishes that your measures
may conduce TO the advantage Of your eoun-
try. ard 10 che honor of yourself,
am, with the utmost eonside ration, your
obedicnt servant, w. J. DUANE.