Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1845-07-10


| From this letter il is manifest that Major Lew
ISIS removal was made without Gen. Jackson's
acknowledge or consent" and that he deeply re-
gretted 1t, and the manner Of it particularly, as
not COMFORTING with true "magnanimity" On the
part Of Mr.. Polk.
1t is further apparent that Mr.. Polk, aware, as
he says he was, OF Gen. Jackson's s'fiiendship''
for Maj. Lewis, and that his dismissal would be
unpleasant" to the General, did not consult the
latter at all about the matter. He merely des-
patched letter to friend in Nashville, contain
Ing long list OF alleged grievances against Mai
Lewis nor years, with request that the letter
| might be shown TO the General; and before the
letter could possibly reach its destination. pro-
ceeded summarily and unceremoniously to eject
the Generals ancient friend from office. AS tru-
ly remarked by General Jackson, the deed was
done before he had the slightest intimation that it
was intended. Major Lews's removal took place
on the 3lst Of March, and was undoubtedly and
necessarily determined upon some days before,
while Mr.. Folks letter was Shown 10 the Gener-
al on the 4ih Of April. On that very day, how
ever, General Jackson-gnorant tina, the removal
had actually been made--while writing to Mr..
Folk on another subject, took occasion to vindi-
cate Maj. Lewis from foul aspersion contained
In Mr.. Folks letter to his friend i'm Nashville
The only one 1t is evident, that he thong hit worthy
of notice out Of the "long lst' which Mr.. Polk,
In Ms priuate 'oay, was casting upon Major l..
10 HE o,cn knowledge, Mr.. Polk had done Major
Lewis great Injustice, In supposing him capable
OF betraying the interests of his country to TO-
reign Government, because the Minister of that
Government had CHANGED to marry a member of
his family. MIR. Folks fears on that point, the
General assured hin, were altogether "prourd-
less" AS Gen: Jackson had continued Major
Lewis in office and given to him his unbounded
confidence after the connection by marriage of !;
near relative OF the latter with the French Min
lister took place, MIR. Folks imputation on the in
tegrity and patriotism Of Major L., in conse-
quence of that connection, was an imputaton
upon Gen. Jackson's vigilance, sagacity and dis
creilon. twas virtually saying to him, "Sir,
you have retained in Office, and are still DESTROYS
of seeing retained in the public employment, and
you have also continued to extend your whole
confidence, regard and affection, TO a man who is
capable OF betrayng the interests Of his country
to Foreign Governmentr' Very compliment
tary, indeed, to the Old General!
In this place, and in connection with this part
OF the subject, we cannot do better than to insert
the following notes, copies Of which have been
furnished by Major Lewis:
WAsuINoToN, May Sth, 1915.
Sir learn from private source that YOU
have inllmated that my removal from Office was
rendered necessary, because the position l occu-
pied was dangerous to the Government, mas
much as it would enable me to impart informa-
ton to foreign power to the disadvantage of INV
own country.
hope there is some mistake in this--you had
the right to take my office from me, but not my
reputation. / beg, therefore, to be informed whe-
Their you have made the imputation against me TO
which have referred.
Your obedent servant.
(Signed,) w. B. LEWIS.
To JAMES X. Polk, ESQ,
President United States.