Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1883-09-17
BUCHANAN's CABINET.
RecollectiOns of Jacob Thompson,
Member of It-Judge Black and JEFF
Davis Were Intimate Friends Till Late
in Life

RecOllectiOns of Jacob Thompson. a
Member of It-Judge Black and JET,
Davis Were Intimate Friends Till Late
in Life.
-heaphis 4 DDedG 18th.
The Hon. Jacob Thompson, who is now.
except one, the only surviving member OF
President Buchanan's Cabinet, and whose
memories OF the stirring events which led
up to the late civil war must therefore
iorln one OF the most interesting chapters
IN the history of this country, was waited
on Yesterday at his residence, i'm the
southern suburbs of the city, by a report
er, and interviewed relativeItO Judge jere
Blacks posthumOus paper Mr.. Thomn-
son was found walking slowly I'D the
grayeled drive that leads to his door. into
winch he ushered the reporter. Notion
ing IN to seat, he drew up a large arm
chalr, settled himself comfortably, and
expressed his willingness to speak of any-
thing which might throw light on the un-
written minutes of President Buchanan's
Cabinet
OLD MEMORIES REVIVED.
Il have just finished readiag Judge
Blacks reply to Mr.. Davis, republished
IN this mornings Appeal" said Mr..
Thompson. 81 read it with great deal
OF interest. All the old days rose up be-
fore me as | read, and found my memo
ry fresher than | knew. AS between
Judge Black, who has now passed away.
ana Mr.. Davis do not like to and cannot
decide with Judge Black. We were
intimately associated, and a warm
friendship sprung up between us
IN my department questions often came
up. j was called upon to decide, and |
was frequently asked to take Judge
Blacks opinion by those who were con
cerned. This | always did. With Davis.
a Southerner, and one of the leading men
Ill the Senate, my relations were probably
even more intimate, and he is my warm
personal friend to-day. Davis and Black
were also friends, and were very intimate
1t seems little strange to me that the
friendship of lifetime should suddenly
cease when both were nearing the grave.
JEFF. DAVIS AND PRESIDENT BUCHANAN.
II remember very distinctly a CONVEX
satinn l had with Davis in Paris about
two years ago. We met every day and
often talked over the past. One day ]
asked him if he intended to reply to
Blacks criticism of his book. Il think |
shall reply Davis said, laughing. Black
is disposed to make very serious matter
OF a chance expression | made about odd
Bucks timidity. There was no deep
meaning in what l said, but Black seems
determined that the public shall so under
stand it l heard no more of the matter
until | read the interview with Black this
morning. Davis letter I have never
seen"
"DO you find anything to censure in the
statements made by Judge Black?r
"He states his own position, that of
President Buchanan, and of Mr.. Davis
with perfect accuracy" replied Mr..
Thompson. 'There is not the least doubt
that the Warmest personal relations
existed between Mr.. Davis and the Presi-
dent. He consulted him on all matters of
Importance, and gave considerable weight
to his opinions. Really Davis was looked
upon in the Senate as the champion of the
administration. He represented interests
upon which the President leaned for sup
port, and 1T followed that he should be
consulted when an important step was to
be taken. This close relationship rather
grew than diminished up to the very last.
To such an extent was it carried that
some members of the Cabinet were
actually jealous, and thought 1t a slight
upon them that the President should pre-
fer to consult with one outside of the
Cabinet.
"Davis was a Secessionist, and never
thought to disguise it. He was outspoken
on all occasions. Black, on the contrary.
was bitterly opposed to it, and was
equally frank. Their arguments with the
President were long, frequent and eX-
haustive."
"DO you know by whose request it was
that Mr.. Davis went to Washington from
Mississippi just before the Presidents
message was sent to COngress?'
''By the Presidents own, think. Such
was my impression at the time. Yes, |
am sure of it, and think the President
told me that he had written him private
ly to come up and talk over the message
with him."
''Did this visit have any effect upon the
tenor of the message"'
eff so, it was imperceptible to me-"
MAJOR ANDERSON.
"DO you think it was by the order of
President Buchanan that Major Anderson
was removed from Fort MOultTie to Fort
Sumter?"
81 know it was not. He moved on his
own accord, because he thought it unsafe
to remain at Fort M0ultrie at the mercy of
the South Carolina militia. President
Buchanan was utterly innocent of his in
tentiOn to do so. and was surprised when
he heard it had been DONE"
WAS Major Anderson ever repri-
manded in any way?"
mo: l remember that it was decided
not to reprimand him until his reasons for
removing could be heard, and as they
never were officially given the matter was
dropped. Carolina insisted upon a repri-
mand which was exceedingly severe.
They demanded that Anderson be ordered
to return to Fort Moultrie.''
TWO RESERVATIONS.
''DO you know anything of Judge
Blacks resignation ?'
81 had no idea he would make it at the
time he did, though he made a remark to
me day or two before that / remembered
at once when | heard of his action. We
were walking along a corridor of the |
W bite House together, and as we reached |
the Presidents door Black said to me,
don't see how we are to hold I
together. | think there must soon be a |
general breaking up He said no more, |
and we separated, he to visit the Presi- !
dent, / to go home. However, about the |
of Cass. The day after send |
ing in his resignation he wanted me to 20 /
to the President and ask for the return of |
his letter. The very moment | broached |
the subject to the President / knew l had |
bOOtless errand. | told Cass |
frankly how matters stood, and he said he |
he would let it go and say no |
more.
THOMPsON's POSITION.
MY own position was made plain to the
President very early in the action. / told /
him that II 1t was possible / would like to |
remain with him until the close of his ad-
but if Mississippi seeded [ |
must go too. All this / laid before the |
President and asked him what | should
10. His reply was: when your State
l will not insist on your remain
ng.'"
The First Chapter.
The WashiuO Oton corrasnopdonf of tho