The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-11-24
Echoes OF the Civil War.
PRESIDENT BUCuANAN's SECRETARY OF r
INTERIOR TO WRITE A BOOK.

PRESIDENT BUCUANANS SECRETARY OF JHt
INTERIOR TO WRITE A BOOK.
A Memphis (Tenn.) correspondent OF the
New York Times says In conversation
with the 9ymeS's correspondent concern
ing the recent controversy between Gen.
eral Joseph Holt and himself, Mr.. Jacob
Thompson, who, besides General Holt, is
the only living member OF President Bu-
chanan's Cabinet, stated that he contem-
plated, writing history OF his visit to
Canada as the agent OF the Southern Con-
federacy. Mr.. Thompson speaks Of it as
bis Canadian CAMPAIGN" and declares
| That full publication OF all the facts would
create considerable breeze. His sole rea-
son for hesitation. he declares, is that seve-
raj prominent citizens, one or more OF
them occupying seats in the Congress Of
the United States, would be utterly ruined.
He intimates that at least one Of the gen.
tlemen TO whom he refers was in the conf
dence OF the United States Government
q. the time of which he speaks, and
at the same time was aiding him in
his efforts for the success OF the Con-
fcderacy. Mr.. Thompson declined to say
more than this, but is evidently in earnest
about writing at some future day the story
of his dGings in Canada. His private Sec
rotary, Mr.. Cleary, who is ut present
resident Of COvington, KY, was with HIM
during the whole OF that period. and it is
probable, from what Mr.. Thompson said,
that il he can procure his assistance the
publication will be made. Without his aid
in arranging and editing large mass Of
papers which Mr.. Thompson has in his
possession the scheme would be impracti-
cable.
The ex-Secfetary OF the Interior is grow
ing very feeble in body, though his mind
seems as active and his memory much
clearer than is usual with one of his age.
His frame is thin, his shoulders STOPPING,
his complexion OF a notified hue, and his
hair aud beard thin and white, but his eye
is still keen. He has devoted wife, whose
of ante-bellum days at Washington
Is very clear, and charming daughter, at
present one OF the bellies of Memphis So
ciety. or Miss Kate Thompson her father is
very fond, and he cyerts himself in order
that he may be seen in public with her.
The family residence, IN the southern SUI
burbs of the city, Is simple. but elegant
and stately, and is very much admired.
A former residence, upon whose site the
present building stands, was burned some
years ago while the family were absent at
The sca-shore: This is mentioned as re-
from the fact that but one piece |
Of furniture was saved-an escritoire, con-
aiming about $4,000 in United States |
bonds, which had been forgotten in the |
worry OF preparation for the visit. The |
was removed from the burn |
ing house, no one knows by whom, |
and was left standing untouched in the |
yard for several days. The bonds il con-
iained were finally secured upon telegram |
rom Mr.. Thompson. Those to whom this |
TACT is not positively known are skeptical, |
as Mr.. Thompson has not the reputation OF |
leaving his loose change lying carelessly |
about. lie has amassed large fortune, |
and is exceedingly careful about securities
and investments. In recent interviewhe |
lludes to the request OF the spy, Richard |
for a loan OF s., for which |
the latter was obliged to beg very hard. |
MIR. Thompson took his note for it, and has |
it 70 this good day. He has long since de-
SPARED OF its repayment.