Smyrna times., 1874-01-14
The Celebrated Mrs. Eaton Scandal.
HOW THE LADIES BROKE UP GENERAL JACK
SONS CABINET.

hOW THE LADIES BROKE UP GENERAL JACA-
SONS CABINET.
The determination of the wives of the prom
inent officials at Washington, during Jackson's
Administration, not to associate with or So
clally recognize Mrs. Eaton, wife of the Secre-
tary OF War, finally broke up the Generals
cabinet. The Secretary wife was a Miss Mar
garet-or Peggy ONeal, whose father kept
tavern at which many Congressman boarded.
Her conduct was rather free and lively, and
she was On good terms with her fathers board
ers; among others with Gen. jackson and
Senator Eaton. She finally married Purser
Timberake, of the navy. He committed sui
eide while on duty in the Mediterranean squad
ron, in 1928. The reactionary gloom of dissi-
patton was the cause commonly ascrlbed for
the decd, though there were not wanting ru-
mors of unpleasant news in regard to the con-
duct OF his wife at home. In January, 1929,
the widow married Maj Eaton. A few weeks
later it was rumOred that the bridegroom was
to be Cabinent officers, and the fair aristOc.
racy OF the capital were shocked at the idea OF
being Obliged to recognize Peg ONeal as an
equal.
The horror was not confined to the ladies.
The Rev. Mr.. Cambell, pastor of the Presby-
terian Church at which the President attended,
| thought the matter worthy of interference, but
beheVeing. it prudent to keep in the back
Slouhui IOiu TUG AeSNs Ia y. Elyg vi nlLduel-
phia, the whole story, and that gentlemen un-
dertook to enlighten Gen. Jackson by letter.
There were some pretty hard stories against
Mrs. Eaton, which, if verified, would have
shown her to be anything but prude. The
President would credit none of these. He
denied them all, and argued against their cred
ibility 10 a long reply to DR.. Ely. Tho latter
was not wholly convinced and rejoined. The
President came out with a second letter, pro
duced documentary evidence, and demanded
| to know Dr. Ely's informants. Mr.. Cambelr 8
name having been given, he visited the White
House, but was put down very emphatlcally
by Gen. Jackson, who criticised bis course and
ceased to attend bis church. All that Execu-
tive influence could do in behalf of tho unhRp-
py lady was done, but, after ell, few except
othce seekers and others who curried presiden-
tial favor called upon her. Mrs. Vice Presi.
dent Calhoun, Mrs. Attorney General Berrisn,
and Mrs. Secretary of the Navy Branch took
no notice Of her. Mrs. Donelson, wife of the
Presidents nephew, and mistress of the White
House, though forced to receive her, would
not visit her.
1t was not society alone which frowned upon
the Presidents protege. The Cabinet was di
vlded, and though his associates tried to be
civil to Major Eaton, the politeness which ex
cludsd his wife could not be very sincere
Coldness at last ensued. and having scan 1alixeC
the lady as much as it could. society began tC
circulate ugly rumors about her husband
honesty. Next came an open rupture between
Messrs. Eaton and Branch. The Presidsn
felt bound to interfere, and acted with hi
characteristic promptness and decision. HI
compelled the two Secretaries to be reconciled
and soundly rated the other members whose
wives had cut Mrs. Eaton, as conspirator
against the peace and regulations of the Ea
tons. When the General put his foot dow
, he usually had his own way, and he succeeded
ia measure this time. Harmony existed 70
year or more afterward, but it was superb
cial reconciliation. Female sentiment was no
changed, and the anti Eatonians in the Cabine
= were treated with coolness by Gen. jackson
{ A coolness had been growing up between tn
!. President and Mr.. Calhoun, fomented, it
: dissolution of the Cabinet finally took place.