The Lincoln County herald., 1870-01-27
VIII. -CoRNELlUs p. VAN NESS.

Van Ness had been Governor of Yer
mont in the days when that State occa.
slonally elected Democratic official, and
afterwards was envoy to Spain, alta time
when it was not considered necessary that
nn ambassador to that country should be
devoid of honor, honesty, and decent
reputation. During the latter part of
the Tyler administration, he was Collector
of the Port of New York, and l saw a
great deal Of him. He had a very trou-
blesome time of it as all Collectors have,
in the distribution. Of patronage, and l
assisted him little without being asked
He never refused me on appointment, and
the reult was that l was much pestered
for an influence not SO great as it was
supposed to be. One day Henry c. At
wood, who was Surveyor at the time,
asked me to get certain party place,
aud did 80. The week after he came
to me with a similar request, stating that
the applicant was worthy man, with a
large family and SO on. l thought this
was rather crowding matters, but when l
met the Collector mentioned the mans
name favorably. Van Ness looked at me
6xedly, and said didn't Atwood ask
you for this appointment" I laughed,
and answered in the affirmative. ~
thought so. He asked me q week
since, and I evaded the matter. The
man is really deserving, believe but
no more 90 that dozen others that
shall have to disappoint. I'll give it to
you but don't let the Surveyor use you. u
"He'll scarcely ask me again." l said.
"We'll see" was the reply. A week had
not passed before Atwood had another
candidate; but this time declined, tell
ing Van Ness, however, who laughed.
Van Ness not only had the confidence
Of the Taylor administration, but the re
spect of its successor. When it became
necessary to remove him, it was done af-
ter consultation with him, and certain
number of his appointments we're prom
ised to be respected-a promise scrupu-
lously kept.
During thu campaign Of 1874, it be
came necessary, in order to carry New
York State for Polk, that tho patronage
of the custom. house and Post offic'
should be used in his behalf-especially
as it was known that certain gentlemen
who were afterwards in tho Free Sol
party, were endeavoring secretly to de
feat him. The arrangements to this Of
feet were mainly made 10 New York city
and Van Ness was in the move ement
Through him I was apprized of tn
phases Of the negotiation, and at thi
day it is amusing to recall who opposot
it all through, and their transparent mo
ttives. As it was. MIR. Polk was far be-
hiud the State ticket, and this patronag,
alone prevented the electoral votes of tn
State FROM being given to Mr.. Clay. A
that time there was no electric telegraph
and news Of tho election was brought b,
express, or the ordinary lines. For SOW
eral days after the election, the matte
was in doubt. The first news wss favor
able, and l ordered the Office of our pa
per to be illuminated. Late in the after
noon I met Van Ness, who showed m
dispatches by tho evening boat from AL
bany, giving unexpected gains by tn
Wings. l went to the office gloom
enough. The publisher, who was Cla,
man, asked me if hs should light up, an
the quiet smile on his couutenance show