Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1834-02-24

under the COnVenLOn With DcHtaoi h,o'to, WliCH
I hesitated to accept he pressed the trust upon
me on the ground that to accept would be du-
ty to the public and relief to himself from en-
barrasSment.
Before had executed the duty under the con-
vention with Denmark was, on the 4th De-
cember, 1882, unexpectedly invited to accept
the office of secretary of the treasury. AND
lest any representation OF the circumstances,
attending the offer, should be open to cavll on
that account shall not trust to my memory;
but present the following statement extracted
from a confidential letter, which wrote on the
9Th of December last.
ExrRAcrs. "The President has in formal,
kind and pressing manner asked me 10 accept d
seat in his cabinet | confess, was surprised,
and not only surprised but distressed; but II is
best whilst the incidents are all fresh in my
memory that | should give you Sketcn.
member of the cabinet said Mr.. Duane, have
been particularly desired by the President to seek
this interview with you, on matters OF much con-
sequence, not only to himself but to the coun-
try. The President has for some time past med
itated a change in his cabinet: 1t has been de-
ferred until after the termination of the elections
in the states and as they are now over the pro-
posed change is urged anew. The present Sc
cretary of state is to GO to France; the present
secretary Of the treasury is to take his place III
the department of state; and the question is VINO
is to 90 into the treasury 1t is settled that cltl-
zen of Pennsylvania Is to be appointed; the
President and his friends have sought IN that
state for a person in all respects competent as
an officer and faithful as a friend. a list OF
names has been looked at, and after due lnQul-
nv. the President is decidedly convinced, that
YOU Sir, present the fairest claims to official and
personal consideration. You are Of the Old
democratic party of Pennsylvania, and have
grown with its growth; you are known as a mild
but unvarying friend of the political principles,
which Pennsylvania cherishes; your personal
reputation, too. gives you moral influence, OF
the extent of which you are not perhaps your
self aware; YOU were the early, and have been
the steadfast friend of General Jackson, and
should continue every proper way to sustain
him who you contributed to elevate. SO sat
isfied, indeed is the President, of your peculiar
fntess for the department, and of your being
lust such person as he can politically as well
as personally rely upon, that cannot use too
strong terms, in describing his soicitude that
you should not refuse the station
"This is more brief than the reality, but per-
fecty correct replied-'l have listened, Sir TO
what you have stated, with surprise, and dis
tress; so that it cannot be supposed that can
give positive reply. cannoteXpress how gra-
tilted and proud am at this mark Of confidence;
il however, am now to give utterance to what
feel it is to ask the President to blot this mat
ter from his mind 1t is true that | have been
and am sincerely friendly to the President; that
possess the personal and political confidence
ofmany worthy men in Pennsylvania; and that
have a strong inclination to do all in my pow
er to evince my principle and promote the wei
fare ofthe people. But it is also true, that my
abilities are over-rated; that my influence in
PENNSYLVANIA is more limited than is supposed;
and that no weight can be given, by my acces-
sion. to the administration. Such an occasion
as the present cannot be heedlessy regarded by
me, but all considerations united forbid me to
e ,,~lk oraol do
and whenenever have been out Oft, it has not
been from choice; have always desired to tread
ON the EARTH lest in ascending even a single step
of the political ladder, should be obliged to re-
sumo my former place. Perhaps this is morbid
pride, but be If what it may, it has powerful
influence over me-
TO this it was rejoined - all you have said,
Mr. Duane shows you have the merit you deny
yourself the possession OF You have, by de-
clinng Office on several occasions, omitted to
advance Yourself | am the Presidents friend
and yours, and am not the man to advocate any
thing of doubtful nature, by which the public
may be affected. Others are more competent,
perhaps, to Judge of your qualifications than
yourselE heretofore there have been difficulties
there may be some at this time, owing to excite
ment in the South but that will soon cease, and
in few months you will be perfectly al fat as
to all general duties. As to your standing in
Pennsylvania we have information to be relied
on we believe your appointment would be
pleasing there and the President desires to do
what will crafty that State. Apart from other
considerations, the Presidents own spontaneous
preference ofyou is a compliment not to be over
looked; you will derive credit from it, where you
are not known amongst all who respect the pa
triotsm and pure intentions, as well as the ma
tural sagacty of the President. am persuaded
that the appointment would be acceptable to ma
ny of the Presidents most distinguished friends
indeed, the fact, that he goes to the people, and
not to congress, to select, will give weight to the
choice. You will earn high reputation in the
office proposed, and the labors will be less bur
densome than those to which you have been
accustomed, &C.
81 then said, that to tear up, as it were, by
the roots, my business in Philadelphia, on the
uncertainty, or even certainty, of continuing in
office here for four years, would be very impru-
dent; that changes of residence, associations
and expenditure, were sound objections; that
friends to me, ought not to urge proceeding
of so doubtful character &c.
''To this it was replied, that every man oW-
ed something to his country; that even on the
question of mere interest, the change would be
| advantageous; that l might be certain of en-
ployment for four years; that the mode of living
i,D aIn1n