The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-11-17
NEW YORK DEFALCATION-- MENDA-
CITY OF THE GLOBE.

Respecting the New York Custom House
defalcation, the Globe Of Wednesday night,
says: ."
"Mr. SwaaTwouT, that universal Wing favorite
! for collector, whose disappointment BY General
JACKSON was SO earnestly desired by the Federal
merchants of New York, is detected as defaulter for
more than million, by the recently appointed col
lector and accounting officers of the Government"
There is no doubt that Mr.. Swartwout,
from the prompt manner in which he des-
patched business at the Custom House, was
popular among the merchants who had inter-
course with him. But, where is the evidence
to show that his disappointment was earnest
ly desired by the Federal merchants Of New
York 7" There is none. 1t is mere gra-
tui,ous assertion Of the Globe for the purpose
of prejudicing the merchants, by connecting
them with the Collector and his defalcations.
Mr.. Swartwout wanted no aid from the mer-
chants Of New York, to secure recommen-
dation by Gen. Jackson, to the Senate. 1t
is well known that his original appointment
grew out of old and strong feelings Of friend
ship entertained by General Jackson for Mr..
Swartwout. All who were acquainted with
the General we'll know, that it was not his
practice to abandon any one for whom he
had expressed friendship, without strong
reasons, making it almost an imperative duty
to do So Mr.. Swartwout, it is well known,
both here and in New York, was viewed as a
PET of General Jackson, and we have under
stood was always SO treated while sojourning
here.
Again says the Globe:
I'VE Eemsmber te have heard iha, wh"I I h -
brought some of his clerks on and explained salts
! factorily 10 the committee OF the Senate, of which
Mr. Webster was chairman, the state OF his accounts
and received the entire appreciation OF the Federal
majority of that body, on whom he was pressed by
merchants of New York in the interest of the then
predominant party in that body"
In this is exhibited the reckless mendacity
of the Globe Mr.. WEBSTER had nothing
whatever to do with the committee referred
to- Mr.. SILsBEE was chairman of the COM
mttee that threw the difficulties in the way,
which made it necessary for Mr. Swartwout
TO explain the state of his accounts Mr..
Silbee was merchant, and we think probably
Federalist also. 1t was, therefore, the
"federal merchant" who opposed, rather than
earnestly desired the reelection of Mr.. S.
If we mistake not, the columns of the Globe
contain an attack on the majority Of the Sc
nate, at that time, attributing the opposition
made TO Mr. Swartwout, to desire to wound
the feelings of General Jackson, knowing the
great Partially and strong feelings of personal
friendship he entertained for him.
But, says the Globe, Mr.. Swartwout " took
a prominent part in the efort made to defeat
the election Of the present Chief Magistrate
oas alpays his personal and political opponent,
AND NEVER, FOR ONE MOMENT, HAD HIS
couNTENANcE OR CONFIDENCE" This very
assertion furnishes ample proof of the strong
hold that Mr.. Swartwout had on the affections
of General Jackson SO much so, that Mr..
Van Buren, dared not interfere with the
re-appointment of bitter personal and po-
litical opponent" to the most important Office
within the gift of the Executive; when more
than year before, he was consulted respect
ing appointments, and concurred" in what
was done in relation to them, which we have
the proof at hand to show.
Again. saysthe Globe, Mr.. Swartwout " was
chairman Of the great Conservative meeting
of Federalists in the city of New York, which
gave the first direction to the late campaign
against the Administration" So the Con-
servatives are to be lugged in with the mer-
chants as participating in the delalcasion, for
the purpose of gratifying the vindictive feel
ngs of the Globe and its employers. ..
The truth is this Mr.. Swartwout was a
pet fdUor,te of General Jackson. Those.man
,oorShippers about him, who were basking in
the sunshine Of his favor, and receiving, or
expecting benefits or advancement through it,
dared not express their suspicious, whatever
they might have been, or intimate to him that
Mr.. S. had neither their confidence or counte-
nance.
| How soon after General Jackson left Wash
ington was it, that Mr.. Swartwout had evil
5ence that he had not the countenance or
confidence Of the present Executive But