The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-09-15
THE DAYS OF BUCHANAN.
Recollections of Jacob Thompson, a
Member of His Cabinet.
The Friendship of Jere. Black and JEFF. Da-
Vis-HOw MIR. Holt Came To Be APP
pointed Postmaster-General.
Interview in Memphis Appeal.

VI JIG OI4l14IlS Ven NAASa ASo -
to the late civil war must, therefore form one
of the most interesting chapters in the his
tory of this country, was waited upon yes
terday morning at his residence in the south
ern suburbs of the city by a reporter, and in
terviewed relative to Judge Jere. Blacks
posthumous paper. Mr.. Thompson was
found walking slowly up the graveled drive
tina leads to his door, into which he ushered
the reporter. Motioning him to a seat he
drew up a large armchair, settled himself
comfortably, and expressed his willingness
to speak of anything which might throw
light on the unwritten minutes of President
Buchanan's cabinet.
81 have just finished reading Judge Blacks
reply to Mr.. Davis, republished in this morn
ing's Appeal" said Mr.. Thompson. II read
it with a great deal of interest. All the old
days rose up before me as l read, and ! found
my memory fresher than 1 knew. AS be-
tween Judge Black, who has now passed
away, and Mr.. Davis, 1 do not like to and
cannot decide with Judge Black. We were
intimately associated, and a warm friendship
sprung up between Us. In nay department
questions often came up l was called upon
to decide, and I was frequently asked to take
Judge Blacks opinion by those who were
concerned. This 1 always did. With Davis,
a Southerner, and one OF the leading men in
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 a
little strange to nae that the friendship of a
lifetime shouid suddenly cease when both
were nearing the grave.
II remember very distinctly a converse
ton / had with Davis in Paris about two
years ago. We met every day and often
talked over the past. One day I asked him if
he intended to reply to Blacks criticism of
his book. I think shall reply Davis said,
laughing. Black is disposed to make a very
serious matter of a chance expression l made
about "Old Bucks" timidity. There was no
deep meaning in what 1 said, but Black
seems determined that the public shall so
understand it, 1 heard no more of the mat
ter until l read the interview with Black
this morning. Davis's letter l have never
seem"
do you find anything to censure in the
statements made by Judge Black?'
II states his own position, that of Presi-
dent Buchanan, and of Mr.. Davis with per-
feet accuracy" replied Mr.. Thompson.
There is not the least doubt that the warm
. DC1oOIldl UGLWScH MT.
Davis and the President. He consulted him
on all matters of importance and gave con-
siderable weight to his opinions. Really
Davis was looked upon in the Senate as the
champion of the administration. He rep
resented interests upon which the President
leaned for support, and it 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. 10 such an extent was it carried that
some members of the cabinet were actually
jealous, and thought it a slight upon them
that the President should prefer 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 bit
terly opposed to it and was equally frank.
Their arguments with the President were
long, frequent and exhaustive"
do you know by whose request it was
that Mr.. Davis went to Washington from
Mississippi just before the Presidents mes
sage was sent to Congress?"
by the Presidents own, / think. Such
was my impression at the time. Yes, l am
sure OF it, and think the President told me
that he had written him privately to come
up and talk over the message with him"
ibid this visit have any effect upon the
tenor of the message?'
IF so it was imperceptible to to me-"
de you think it was by the order of Pres
ldenI buchanan lnaL MAJ. Anderson was re-
moved from Fort MOultrie to Fort Sumter?i
II know it was not. He moved on his own
accord, because he thought it unsafe to re-
main at Fort Moultrie at the mercy of the
South Carolina militia. President Buchanan
was utterly innocent of his intention to do
so, and was surprised when he heard it had
been done"
WAS Maj, Anderson ever reprimanded in
any way?'
mo; I remember that it was decided not
to reprimand him until his reasons for re-
moving could be heard, and as they never
were officially given the matter was dropped.
Carolina insisted upon a reprimand which
was exceedingly severe. They demanded
that Anderson be ordered to return to Fort
Moultrie," =
do you know anything of Judge Blacks
resignation?'
II had no idea he would make it at the
time he did, though he made a remark to me
q day or two before that | remembered at
once when l heard of his action. We were
walking along a corridor of the White House
together, and as we reached the Presidents
door Black said to me, Thompson, l don't
see how we are to hold together. l think
there must soon be a general breaking up
He said no more, and we separated, he to
visit the President, | to go home. However,
about the resignation of Cass. The day after
sending in his resignation he wanted me to
20 to the President and ask for the return of
his letter. The very moment | preached the
Iubject to the President knew l had under
taken a bootless erraEd. l told Cass frankly
aow matters stood, and he said he supposed
he would let it 60 and say no more.
my own position was made plain to the
President very early in the action. l told
him that if it was possible l would like to
remain with him until the close of his adj
ministration, but if Mississippi seeded 1
must go too. All this I laid before the Presi-
dent and asked him what I GhOu1H do His
reply was: When your State secedes, l will
not insist on your remaining
'Holt's reason for being a Union man l
can easily give you. He and | are now the
only living members of Buchanan's cabinet.
1t was Holt who tried to blacken me by the
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