Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1870-11-02
The Grant.C Cox Correspondence.

The several theories advanced and
imaginary causes assigned by would-be-
wise newspaper correspondents to tho
New York dailies, in explanation Of the
resignation Of Gen. Cox, Secretary OF
the Interior, are quietly put at rest by
the publication of the correspondence
between the President and the Secreta-
~. Gen. Cox retires from the cabinet
with his name and reputation I'M
sullied by a single suspicion. He is re-
garded by his cOuntrymen Of all parties
as one Of the purcst and best men Of the
nation.
The correspondence is as follows:
SECRETARY cox TO H president.
STATEN ISLAND, October so, 1870.
My DEAR SIR:-When Congress ad-
Journed in the summe / was Credibly
informed that a somewhat systematic
effort would be made before their reas-
sembling in the winter TO force in q
change in the policy we have pursued
in h Interior Department. The re-
mOVal OF the Indian service from the
sphere Of ordinary political patronage
has been specially ~distasteful to many
influential gentlemen in both houses,
and in d TO enable you TO carry your
purpose u successfully / am satisfied
that you ought not to be embarrassed by
any other causes of irritation in tho
same department. Ny views OF the
necessity Of reform in the civil service
have been brought more or less into
collision with the plans of our active
political managers, and my sense Of
duty has Obliged me to oppose some of
their methods Of action through the de-
partment. l have no doubt, whatever,
that the public sentiment will sooner or
later fully sustain these efforts at what /
regard needed reforms, but / ought not
to overlook the fact that for the present
ent they involve opposition which il
may not be for the interest Of this adj
minlstratiOn to provoke, and as my per-
n tendency is to be rather more than
less persistent in the course to which 1
am committed, I deem it my duty to
place in your hands nv resignation OF
the Office Of Secretary of the Interior, 70
tax effect As soon as you can convenient
~ determine upon my successor. The
annual report Of the department will be
made at an early day, and for this and
other reasons I believe the interval prior
to the adjourned session Of Congress the
httest or such q change. I trust you
Will permit me 10 add that as the original
acceptance of the position was an inter-
ference with my plans of life formed, as
l think, with prudence, a return to my
private business, so far from being an
Inconvenience or a disappointment will
only be carrying out what 1 have most
desired to do as soon as il could be done
without embarrassment to you or sacri-
fee or public duty. Indications that
you might be already troubled by sug-
gestions on the subject have induced me
70 write Al M without waiting nv re-
turn TO Washington. With sincere as
surances Of my strong desire for the
complete success Of your administration,
I remain truly your obedient servant.
(Signed,) J. d. Cox.
THE PRESIDENT To SEC. COX.
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
WASHINGTON, October 5, $50.
Your resignation as Secretary Of the
Interior is just received. As suggested
by you it will be accepted to take effect
upon the completion Of the annual report
of the department, now being prepared
to accompany my message to Congress.
In parting company, permit me 10 say
that I highly appreciate the zeal and
ability you have ever shown IN the dis
charge Of your official duties. 1 hope
your relations in the new sphere you
have pointed out for yourself will prove
as pleasant as u relations in the past to
me, and that you may fully realize your
brightest expectations. With kindest
regards, your obedient servant,
L. S. GRANT.
Hon. ]. D. Cox, Sec'y Of the Interior