Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1842-09-23

o., ,,,,,,,,,irnfc to him that wish TO
- !! L., before any measures be taken
h, ,no m execute his WISHES.
y '"o Respcctfnlly yours, J. ROBERTS.
! Hon WALTER FORWARD.
1t is right that | should here observe ,l,a,
by the law all subordinate officer, of the
Customs arc 10 be nominated by the Colcc.
tor, and to hc approved by the Treasury.
The President has no right to interfere with
them, nor has the Secretary any thing to do
with the desired appointments. Among
those whom Mr.. Tyler directed me to re-.
move, was ono, laborcr attached to the Ap.
praiser's Department, and over which tho
Collector has no authority, whatever.
reached Washington on the evening of
the 3rd of May, and Immediately waited on
Mr.. Secretary Forward, informed him of the
purpose of my visit and of the circumstances
of the case. lie disclamed any pariicipa-
ton or privity in making out the list of those
to be appointed and removed, and said that
he thought if | communicated TO the Prcsi-
dent what l had to him, he would be salts
fed with it.
From what | conceived to be the state of
things at the Presidents house, approhcn-
dcd might be denied an interview, but the
Secretary's assurance removed this suspicion
from my mind. On the 4th attended al,
the Presidents antc-chambcr for several
hours, and finally was obliged to retire with
on, having an interview. One of the Pres
ident's sons to whom ! was personally
known, but who at the time was unknown
to me, as | have since learned, met me near
the front door. l made renewed effort to
see the President in the afternoon, but the
servant even refused to carry my card to his
master. saying that he dared not do it.
On applying for admission on the morn
ing of the 5tl,, the porter at the door, who
knew me, said could not sec the President,
as he was engaged with the Secretary of
State: | said would wait till the Secretary
had gone. He then asked me if | had not
received letter: | answered in the mega
tive. lie then said one had been forwarded
to me urged an admission saying that nv
business was to see the President The
servant then advanced to the foot of the
stairs and seemed to announce me TO some
one above. | went up stairs, found no one
there, and the door closed; after knocking
and receiving no answer, | seated myself on
the only chair in the passage, and remained
there for more than one hour; several per-
sons whom did not know, in the mean
time passing in and out Of the Presidents
room. | went into the ante chamber op-
posiic and directed the servant to say 20
the President that waa there and would
wait his pleasure. After remaining some
time longer till the hour for receiving visitors
had expired, was admitted to the Prcsi-
dent, whom found in conversation with an
individual whom | learned to be one of the
Suffrage Agents from Rhode Island. On
his retiring, remarked to the President that
my object was. as my letters minated, to
have personal conference with him in re-
laton TO his recent requsiion on me. He
sad he must decline any conference.-the
wished his request complied whit was
not an order. 6! was surprised" said he.
"ihat you demurrcd." In very guarded
and respectful! manner, replied that
could not conscienliously do what he desir-
ed, saying in substance what had before
said to the Secretary Of the Treasury, that
the individuals he directed me to remove had
~" '''''''"i "hh ulttutINC ollNtTS-lildt
and my surcties were responsible for the
conduct of those appointed and that knew
very few of those he desired me to appoint,
and that had no confidence in those TIA, |
did know. The President tlien said with
great vchcmcncy "That sir you know as a
man of honor You ought to do" answer
cd firmly and respectfully "Mr. President
cannot withdraw from my duty" then
handed TO him and requested him to road a
very scurilous, abusive and profanc letter,
(oo improper in its language to be inserted
hcrc,) signed John Griffith, No. Straw
berry street. one of the persons whom
was directed 10 appoint, asking him if he
! thought person who would write such ii
letter was worthy Of his confidence. He
read il or appeared TO read it, and returned
it without remark he then asked me abb
ruptly how many men there were belonging
to the Philadelphia Custom House. NV re-
ply was, "lnc'uding laborers, about one hun
dred." elbow many Of Them" said he,
"are Clay menu" answered that none TO
my knowledge had avowed themselves slch,
for that | had followed his instructions in
enjoining silence on all political topcs.-
I SphSIiNiI3 IL UNIV W NItUuidN, L TOSc loon
his hand he remained seated and remarked
/ that this was probably the last time we should
meet, that should ever be mindful Of the
| kindness he had manifested in appointing
me to Office, and that should never enter
tain vindiativc feelings towards HIM He
made no reply, not with the acknowledge
mcnt which ordinary courtesy to one So
much his senior would dictate, and retired.
On my return to Philadelphia, found on
my desk the following letter signed .R. ~
Ter, T.. Secretary which no doubt was the
same which the porter at the Presidents
House spoke of. 1t has no date but is pos
marked May Sd.
Dear Sir The President has received YOU
letter on the subject of removals contemplated
in the Custom House at Philadelphia.
! He begs me to say to you, that he entertain:
| the highest consideration for yourself, but thai
he thinks the public service requires that those
demands should take place.
| He therefore has ordered me to say that he
desires the requisition he has made on you il
! the matter, TO be at once and to the letter, com