The American Statesman: a political history ... With an appendix containing ... notes, political essays, etc

Appendix

CONTAINING (fvplanatonj gfotts, | olitiral fegs, Statistical Information:, AND OTHER USEFUL MATTER. BY ANDREW W. YOUNG, Author of "Science of Government," "First Lessons in Civil Government,1' "Citizen's Manual of Government and Law." NEW YORK : J. C. DERBY, 119 NASSAU STREET. 1855. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1855, by ANDREW W. YOUNG, In the Clerk's Office of the Distriet Court of the United States for the Northern District of New York. JOHN J. REED, Stereotyper and Printer, 16 Spruco Street, N. T. V b

Preface

The general diffusion of political knowledge is essential to public prosperity, and to the security of our liberties. A government, whatever its form, is not really free, when its theory and practical operation are. not understood by the great body of those from whom its powers are derived. Universal suffrage is valuable only as its exercise is directed by an enlightened public sentiment. While these propositions are universally acknowledged as self-evident truths, it must be confessed, that the knowledge of our government is too limited to secure the uninterrupted enjoyment of'the benefits of good administration. A large por tion of our citizens assume the duties and responsibilities of freemen, without the information requisite to a faithful dis charge of these vast responsibilities devolved upon them by the constitution and laws.

Many of them, ambitious of civil honors, accept important public, trusts, with attainments in political science too circumscribed to enable them to render efficient ser vice to the state, or to gain to themselves an honorable dis tinction. In the character and acts of many of our legislative bodies, does the truth of this remark find abundant confirma tion. The design of this work is to bring within the reach of our citizens generally, in a single volume, the greatest possible amount of that kind of information which all ought to possess ; but which is to be obtained elsewhere only in works so volumi nous and expensive as to render it inaccessible to the greater portion of the community. A prominent and essential feature of the work is, that on all controverted questions, whether involving constitutional prin-

PREFACE.

. ciples, or mere considerations of expediency, the substance of the arguments on both sides has been faithfully and impar tially given. On subjects of party controversy, the author has withheld the expression of his own opinions, deeming it best to leave the unconfirmed politician to the exercise of his own unbiased judgment in forming his conclusions. By thus pre senting the different views of our ablest statesmen, the work will be rendered valuable to the political student as a constitutional expositor, and as a guide to the formation of enlight ened opinions on questions of public policy ; while to the more advanced politician, the great variety of its matter will make it convenient and useful as a book of reference. Neither the capacity nor the design of this work, has per mitted the introduction of local politics.

The selection of matter has been almost exclusively confined to subjects of a national character. Notwithstanding the volume has been swelled far beyond its intended size — embracing most of the principal subjects of our political history — much useful and interesting matter has been necessarily passed over, which may hereafter appear in a supplementary volume. It has been an object of much care to make the work a reliable one. Its statements are founded principally upon the official records of the government. In the condensation of speeches, reports, and other documents, pains have been taken to present their strongest points, as well as their true meaning. Where recourse to other sources of information has been necessary, reference has been had to approved and standard works, among which are those of Marshall, Pitkin, Bancroft, Hildreth, and others.

That the work, nevertheless, contains some slight inaccura cies, is not improbable. Is is believed, however, that it will be found free from material errors ; and that it will be acknow ledged to possess claims to the public favor, and conduce in some good degree, to a higher and a more general appreciation of our political institutions. Q N06O CONTENTS.

Chapter I. The Settlement Of The Colonies, And Their Forms Of Government

Origin of our republican institutions, 21. Charter governments; landing of the puritans, 22. Government of the New England colonies, 23-26. Royal or provincial governments, 26-30. Proprietary governments, 30

Chapter II. Taxation Of The Colonies, And Other Causes Of The Revolution

— INDE- PENDENCE SECURED. The right of colonial taxation by England denied, 33. British navigation acts, 35. Manufactures in colonies suppressed, 36. Stamp act, 37-39. Congress of deputies' petition for relief, 38. Franklin deputed to England, 39. Parliament asserts the right to tax in all cases, 39. Glass, paper, &c, taxed, 40. Enforcement of the laws resisted, 41. Non-importing associations, 41, 42. General court adjourned to Cambridge, 42. Boston riots, 43. Tea destroyed, 43-44. Boston port bill, 44, 45. Congresses of 1774 and 1775 ; hostilities commenced, 46. Independence declared, 47.

Chapter III. The Government Of The Confederation

— TREATY WITH FRANCE. — NEGO- TIATION WITH GREAT BRITAIN. — PEACE. — CALL FOR A CONVENTION. Nature of the confederation, 48. State governments formed, 49. Alliance with France; attempts at conciliation, 50, 51. Congress of Vienna, 51. Treaty of peace, 52. Defects of the confederation, 52. Difficulties with Great Britain and Spain, 55, 56. Shay's insurrection, 56. Movements fora convention, 57. Cession of the western lands, 58. Anti-slavery ordinance, 58,59.

Chapter IV. Proceedings Of The Convention In Forming The Constitution

Constitutional convention organized, 60. Plans of government proposed, 61-62. Slavery and the rule of apportionment, 64-71. Compromises, 70,71. Executive department, plan of, 71, 72. Federalists and anti-federalists 73. Constitution ratified, 73, 74.

Chapter V. Meeting Of The First Congress

— A SYSTEM OF FINANCE ADOPTED. — THE FUNDING OF THE PUBLIC DEBT. — THE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT. Meeting of Congress in New York ; election of Washington and Adams ; acts for the encouragement of manufactures and navigation, 75, 76. Power of removal, 76. Washington's cabinet; constitutional amendments, 77. Plans of finance ; funding of the public debt, 78-85. North Carolina cedes her western lands, 85. Seat of government, 85, 86. VI CONTENTS.

Chapter VI. Excise On Distilled Liquors

— INCORPORATION OF A NATIONAL BANK. — AP- PORTIONMENT BILL. — WAR WITH THE WESTERN INDIANS. Proposed increase of duties, 86. Opposition to the administration, 87. National bank, 88-91. Kentucky admitted into the union, 92. Apportionment of representatives, 93. Indian hostilities, 93, 94. Tariff increased, 94.

Chapter VII

opposition to Washington's administration. — differences between secretaries jefferson and hamilton. whisky insurrection. fugitive law. constitution amended. Opposition to the administration ; Cabinet controversy ; Jefferson and Hamilton, 95-101. Their letters to Washington, 102-104. Whisky insurrection, 105, 106. Re-election of Washington and Adams, 106. Charges against Hamilton, 107. Fugitive slave law, 107, 108. Amendment of the constitution, 108.

Chapter VIII. Opposition To The Administration

RELATIONS WITH FRANCE. PROCLA- MATION OF NEUTRALITY. — GENET, THE FRENCH MINISTER. — POLICY OF GREAT BRITAIN. French revolution, 109. Our relations with France, 110. Proclamation of neutrality, 111, 112. Difficulties with Genet, the French minister, 112-118. Democratic societies, 116. Affair of Little Democrat, 117. Genet recalled, 119. Morris recalled from France; Monroe "appointed; Letters of Hamilton and Madison on the proclamation, 119. British policy, 119, 120.

Chapter IX. The Third Congress

— PRESIDENT'S RECOMMENDATIONS. — JEFFERSON'S COM- MERCIAL REPORT ; HIS RESIGNATION. — MADISON'S RESOLUTIONS. — PROSPECT OF WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN. JAY'S MISSION TO ENGLAND. The third congress meets; president's recommendations, 121,122. Jefferson's commercial report, 122. Resignation, 124. Madison's resolutions, 124-129. Naval force against Algiers, 129,130. Difficulties with Great Britain, 130-134. Jay's mission to England, 132-134. Charges against Hamilton renewed; Neutrality law, 133. Western Indians defeated by Wayne, 133.

Chapter X. Decline Of Democratic Societies

— FUNDING SYSTEM CONSUMMATED. — RESIG- NATION OF HAMILTON AND KNOX. — THE JAY TREATY. — TREATIES WITH SPAIN AND ALGIERS.— MONROE RECALLED. Washington against 'democratic societies, 135. Hamilton's report on the public debt, 136. Hamilton and Knox resign, 136. The Jay treaty, 137. Public sentiment respecting it, 139, 140. Randolph resigns ; Bradford dies • Cabinet appointments, 140. Indian treaty, 140. Treaties with Spain and Algiers 140. Presentation of French colors, 141. Debate on the Jay treaty, 142-146. France Spain, and Holland dissatisfied with the treaty, 146, 147. Alliance of France and Spain, 147. Monroe succeeded by Pinckney, 148. CONTENTS. VII

Chapter XI. Washington Declines Another Reelection

— HIS LAST ANNUAL MESSAGE. — MR. PINCKNEY EXPELLED FROM FRANCE. — ELECTION OF ADAMS AND JEFFER- SON. Washington declines another re-election, 148.. His suspicions of Jefferson, 149, 150. The Mazzei letter, 150. Forged letters, 151. French minister and the election, 152. Tri-colored cockade, 153. Washington's last message, 153, 154. French government refuse to receive Pinckney, 155. Election of Adams and Jefferson, 156. Washington retires ; is denounced by the Aurora, 156.

Chapter XII. Inauguration Of Mr

ADAMS. — RELATIONS WITH FRANCE. — SPECIAL SESSION. — MEASURES OF DEFENSE. — ALIEN AND SEDITION LAWS. Adams' inauguration and address, 157-160. His cabinet, 160. Ministers abroad, 160. Unlawful decree of France, 160. Defense measures ; Stamp act. 161. Envoys to France, 162. Novel diplomacy, 162-165. Acts of non-intercourse and defense against France, 165. Navy department established, 166. Washington again commander-in-chief, 166. Other army appointments, 166. Opposition to the administration, 167. Jefferson's letters to Madison, 167, 168. " Black cockade federalist," 168. Mississippi territory, 169. Alien and sedition laws ; Virginia and Kentucky resolutions ; Nullification, 172-176. Case of Matthew Lyon, 176,177.

Chapter XIII. Difficulties With France

— TREATY NEGOTIATED. — DIVISION OF THE FEDER- 1 ALISTS. — PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION. A new mission to France ; Dissensions in the administration, 178-180. Another revolution in France, 181. Treaty negotiated, 182,183. Ratified, 184. Newspaper press, 184-186. Resistance to tax law in Pennsylvania, 186-187. Sixth congress, first session, 187. Indiana territory, 188. Rupture in the cabinet, 188-189. Presidential election, 189-192. Jefferson and Burr, 191, 192. New judicial act, 190. Implication and vindication of Bayard and others, 192-195.

Chapter XIV

mr. Jefferson's inauguration. — appointments. — naturalization. — purchase OF LOUISIANA BOUNDARY TREATY WITH ENGLAND. Inauguration of Mr. Jefferson, and address, 196-198. His cabinet, 198. Appointments and removals, 198-202. Acts passed, 1801-1802 ; Use of the port of New Orleans interrupted, 204. Purchase of Louisiana, 203-209. Monroe succeeds Rufus King at London, 208. Spain dissatisfied with the purchase of Louisiana, 209. Division of the territory, 209. Attempt to introduce slavery into Indiana, 209,210. Amendment of the constitution, 210. Spain refuses to ratify a treaty for indemnity, 210. Louisiana boundary, 210- 211. Spain consents to the transfer, 211. Treaty of boundary with Great Britain, 211-212. CONTENTS.

Chapter XV

mr. Jefferson's re-election. — relations with France and England. — treaty with the latter rejected. affair of the chesapeake. slave trade abolished. Re-election of Jefferson, 212 Gunboat system, 212, 213. Indiana and Orleans ■territories, 213. Jefferson's inauguration, 214-216. Relations with Spain, England, and France, 216-218. Madison's statement ; Seamen impressed, 218,219. .Two million bill, 219,220. Randolph's defection, 219, 220. Non-intercourse with St. Domingo, 220. Retaliatory duties ; Act for defense, 220. Cumberland Road, 220. Negotiations with Spain, 221. Treaty with England rejected, 221, 222. Affair of the Chesapeake, 223-225. Slave trade prohibited, 225, 226.

Chapter XVI

I THE COMMERCIAL WARFARE BETWEEN GREAT BRITAIN, FRANCE, AND THE UNITED STATES. BRITISH ORDERS IN COUNCIL. FRENCH, BERLIN, AND . MILAN DECREES. THE EMEARGO, &C. DIPLOMATIC DISCUSSIONS. British orders in council; Berlin and Milan decrees of France, 226-228. Embargo, &c., 228. Suppressed documents, 229-231. Effects of embargo, 232. Non-intercourse law, 232-233. British negotiation, (Erskine and Jackson,) 233- 234 Rambouillet decree, 234. Conditional non-intercourse, 234. Conditional revocation of French decrees, 235. Non-intercourse witri France revoked, 235. Diplomatic discussion between the United States and Great Britain, (Monroe and Foster,) 235-240. French restrictions still continue, 241, 242. Supposed objects of Great Britain and France, 243. Secretary Smith's resignation and expose, 243-247.

Chapter XVII. Twelfth Congress

BRITISH PLOT. THE WAR QUESTION IN CONGRESS. DECLARATION OF WAR. Early meeting of congress, 247. British plot, (John Henry,) 248-249. Measures of defence, 249. Embargo, 250. Presidential nominations, 250. War message, 251. War report, 252. French doctrine of neutral rights, 252, 253. War declared, 254. Address of minority of congress, 254-288. Bonaparte's decree of repeal, 258, 259. Orders in council revoked, 259. Departure of British minister, (Foster); At Halifax; Armistice proposed and declined, 260,261. Number of impressments, 261. War measures, 262. Admission of Louisiana ; Missouri territory, 262.

Chapter XVIII. Re-f

LECTION OF MR. MADISON. — CONTROVERSY WITH MASSACHUSETTS AND CONNECTICUT. — RUSSIA OFFERS .TO MEDIATE. — DUTIES AND TAXES. — EMBAR- GO. ITS SUDDEN REPEAL. OFFER . TO NEGOTIATE. ACCEPTED. CAPITOL BURNED. HARTFORD CONVENTION. BANK PROJECTS. Re-election of Madison, 262. Massachusetts and Connecticut disregard war orders 263. Loan authorized, 263. Act to relieve importers, 263. Retaliation act 264. Russian mediation, 264-267. Negotiation for peace; Commissioners 264-267. Duties and taxes, 264,265. Embargo, 265. New loan, 266. Embargo and non-intercourse repealed, 266. Restoration of the Bourbons 267. Capitol at Washington burned, 268. Further war measures, 269. Hartford convention, 269-272. State of the finances, 272. National bank proposed, 272. r CONTENTS. IX

Chapter XIX

| PEACE WITH GREAT BRITAIN. — GENERAL JACKSON AND MARTIAL LAW AT NEW ORLEANS. — PROTECTIVE TARIFF. — BANK. — COMPENSATION, NAVIGATION, NEU- TRALITY, AND OTHER ACTS. Peace concluded, 274-276. Gen. Jackson and martial law at New Orleans. 277- 279. Tariff of 1816, 279-281. Bank incorporated, 281. Indiana admitted, 282, 283. Specie payments resumed, 282. Compensation of members of congress, 282. Congressional caucus, 282. Navigation act, 283.

Chapter XX. Election And Inauguration Of Mr

MONROE. — CORRESPONDENCE WITH GEN. JACKSON. — CABINET APPOINTMENTS. — PRESIDENT'S TOUR. Election and inauguration of Monroe, 284. Monroe and Jackson correspondence, 285-288. Cabinet appointments, 288. President's tour, 289.

Chapter XXI. The Seminole War

— OFFICIAL INVESTIGATION OF THE OCCUPATION OF FLORIDA BY GEN. JACKSON. RATIFICATION OF A TREATY WITH SPAIN. TREATY WITH GREAT BRITAIN. CESSION OF FLORIDA AND THE WESTERN TERRITORY. Seminole war, 289, &c. Ambrister and Arbuthnot, 290 ; Trial and execution of, 292,293. St. Marks and Pensacola taken by Jackson, 290-292. Jackson's conduct investigated by congress, 293-295. Jackson's memorial, 296- 298. Treaties with Spain and Great Britain, 299-302. Florida, &c, ceded to tho United States, 301, &c. Ratification delayed by Spain, 302,303.

Chapter XXII. Investigation Of The Affairs Of The United States Bank

— OPINION OF THE SUPREME COURT ON ITS CONSTITUTIONALITY. — DECISION OF THE CIRCUIT COURT. — JUDICIAL DECISION ON. BANKRUPT LAWS. — QUESTION OF INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. United States bank investigated, 304. Supreme court decides it constitutional, 305, &c. Decision on bankrupt and insolvent laws, 308, 309. Internal improvements bill vetoed by Madison, 309. Congressional report, 309-311. Cumberland road bill vetoed, (Monroe,) 311, 312.

Chapter XXIII. The Missouri Compromise

ADMISSION OF MAINE AND MISSOURI INTO THE UNION. Admission of Missouri as a State defeated, 213. Maine and Missouri admitted; Slavery compromise, 313-319.

Chapter XXIV. The Finances

THE TARIFF OF 1824. —SPEECHES OF CLAY AND WEBSTER. Meeting of the 18th congress, 320. Tariff of 1824, 321, &c. Vote on tariff bill in 1820, 321; On tariff of 1824, 322,323. Speech of Mr. Clay, 323-331. Speech of Mr. Webster, 331-340. X CONTENTS.

Chapter XXV. Election Of Mr

ADAMS. — THE ALLEGED COALITION BETWEEN ADAMS AND CLAY. PROPOSITIONS FOR RETRENCHMENT AND REFORM. Congressional caucus, unpopular, 341. Mr. Crawford nominated, 342. History of caucuses, 342, 343. Mr. Adams elected, 343 ; Inaugurated, 344. His cabinet, 344. Alleged coalition of Adams and Clay, 345, &c. Investigation in congress, 346. Propositions for retrenchment and reform, 348, &c.

Chapter XXVI. The Panama Mission

The Panama mission proposed, 352. Commissioners nominated, 353 ; Confirmed, 355. Mission reported against, 354 ; Debate on, in the house, 355-360. The congress meets at Panama, 360. Adjourned to Tacubaya, 361.

Chapter XXVII. Controversy With Georgia, In Relation To The Removal Of The

INDIANS. Removal of the Indians, 361. Treaty with the Creeks in Georgia, 362. Controversy between Georgia and the general government, 363, &c. Gov. Troup and Gen. Gaines, 368, 369. New treaty, 370. Georgia prepares for resistance, 371. Bill for the preservation and civilization of the Indians, 372-374.

Chapter XXVIII. Russian And British Claims On The Pacific Coast

— OCCUPATION OF COLUM- BIA RIVER. — PUBLISHING THE LAWS. Russian claims on the Pacific, 374. Treaty with Russia, 376. Claims of Great Britain, 377. Occupation of Oregon, 377-382. Publishing the laws, 381, 382.

Chapter XXIX. West India Trade

— NAVIGATION OF THE ST. LAWRENCE. Trade with British colonies, 382, &c. Mr. Gallatin sent to England ; Negotiation cut off, 384. New treaties with Great Britain, 386. North-eastern boundary, 386. Navigation of the St. Lawrence, 386-390.

Chapter XXX. Nomination Of Gen

JACKSON. — MORE OF THE " COALITION."-i-JACKSON's LET- TERS ON THE TARIFF AND INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. Gen. Jackson nominated by the legislature of Tennessee ; Letter of resignation as senator, 391-393. Recommends amendments of constitution, 392. The " coalition" charge renewed, 393, &c. Carter Beverley's letter and Jackson's, 394. Buchanan's, Eaton's and Markley's letters,, 396-399. Clay's address, 399. Adams' declaration, 400. Jackson's letter to the Indiana legislature on the tariff and internal improvements, 401-403.

Chapter XXXI. The

" WOOLENS BILL." — HARRISBURG CONVENTION. — TARIFF OF 1828. Additional duties on wool and woolen goods proposed, 403-405. Debate on the bill, 405 411. Tariff meeting in Philadelphia, 412. Harrisburg convention 412-414 Tariff of 1828, 414, &c. Debate on, 415^18. Feeling at the south' respecting, 419, 420. CONTENTS.

Introduction

AND DISCUSSION OF RESOLUTIONS ON RETRENCHMENT AND REFORM.

Mr. Chilton's resolutions for retrenchment and reform, 421. Abuses specified, 422. Administration defended, 424-427. Union of the friends of Jackson, Crawford, and Calhoun, 427. Resolutions disposed of, 427, 428.

Chapter XXXIII. Presidential Electioneering

— JEFFERSON'S OPINIONS OF THE CANDIDATES. ADAMS AND GILES CONTROVERSY. Mr. Jefferson's opinions of Adams and Jackson, 428, &c. Gov. Coles and Gov. Gilmer's statements, 429-430. Garret Minor's letter, 431. Mr. Jefferson's letters to Giles, 431-435. Adams and Giles controversy, 436-441.

Chapter XXXIV. Politics Of

1808. MR. ADAMS AND THE BOSTON FEDERALISTS. — CHARGE OF AN ATTEMPT TO DIVIDE THE UNION. Mr. Adams' charge against the federalists ; A specification requested, 442. Mr. Adams' reply, 443-449. Federalists' appeal, 449-455. Gov. Plumer's testimony, 455. Implication of Hamilton, 456. Judge Gould's reply to Mr. Adams, 456-458.

Chapter XXXV. Another Alleged Attempt To Divide The Union

Another disunion project charged, 459. Denial of Hayne, 460. Reply of Mitchell, 460-462. Hayne's rejoinder, 462.

Chapter XXXVI. Rise And Progress Of The Anti-masonic Party

Anti-masonry ; Abduction of William Morgan, 463, 464. Participators in, convicted, 464. Organization and progress of the anti-masonic party, 465, 466

Chapter XXXVII. Battle Of New Orleans, And The Six Militia Men

— FUGITIVE SLAVES AND ABOLITION. — PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION. — ANTI-TARIFF PROTESTS. — INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT FUND. — PUBLIC LANDS IN INDIANA. Picture of the battle of New Orleans proposed, 467. The six Tennessee militiamen, 467. Attempt to procure the surrender of fugitive slaves from Great Britain, 468. Abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia, 468,469. Election of 1828, 469, 470. Protests of South Carolina and Georgia against the tariff, 470- 471. Dickerson's plan to distribute the revenue, 472. Debate on, 473. Indiana claims public lands, 474. Distribution of land sales proposed, 475. Retrenchment, 476.

Chapter Xxxviii. Inauguration Of President Jackson

— REMOVALS FROM OFFICE. — MEETING OF CONGRESS. — PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE. Inauguration of Gen. Jackson, 476, 477. His cabinet, 477. New rule of removal and appointment, 478, 479. Extent of removals, 480. Meeting of congress ; President's message, 481-484. Power of removal discussed, 484-486. CONTENTS.

Chapter XXXIX. Foot's Resolutions On The Public Lands

— GREAT DEBATE IN. THE SENATE. Foot's resolutions for a temporary limitation of land sales, 487. Speeches of Hayne and Webster, 488-496. Debate continued by Benton, Rowan, Grundy, Woodbury, Smith, and others, 496-500.

Chapter XL. United States Bank

— MAYSVILLE ROAD BILL, AND OTHERS. — VETOES OF THE PRESIDENT. M'.Duffie's report on the bank of the United States, 500-506. Smith's report, 506. Maysville and Washington road bills vetoed, 506-508. Hemphill's report on vetoes, 508. River and harbor bill passed, 509. M'Duffie on revenue bill, 509, 610.

Chapter XLI. Georgia And The Cherokees

DEBATE ON THE " INDIAN BILL." OPINION OF THE SUPREME COURT. Indian policy of President Jackson ; Cherokees, 510. Law of Georgia, and Cherokee memorial, 511. Opinion of attorney-general, 512-514. Bills for the removal of the Indians, 514. Bills debated, 514-524 Bill passed, 524. Treaty with the Choctaws, 524. Memorial of the Cherokees against the laws of Georgia, 525. Case carried to the supreme court, 526. Execution of Tassels, 527. Decision of the court, 527.

Chapter XLII. West India Trade

— MR. M LANe's ARRANGEMENT. — JOHN RANDOLPH'S MISSION TO RUSSIA. Mr. McLane's arrangement respecting the West India trade, 528-530. John Randolph's mission to Russia, 530, 531. Post office investigation, 531. Attempt to modify the judiciary act, 532, 533. Impeachment and trial of Judge Peck, 533, 534. Attempt to revise the tariff, 534-536, &c.

Chapter XLIII. Controversy Between Mr

CALHOUN AND GEN. JACKSON IN RELATION TO OC- CURRENCES IN THE SEMINOLE WAR. Mr. Calhoun's charge against Gen. Jackson, 536. Counter-crimination and recrimination, 537. Repetition of the Florida war controversy, 537.

Chapter XLIV. Dissolution Of Gen

JACKSON's CABINET. — MR. VAN BUREn's REJECTION AS MINISTER TO ENGLAND. — CASE OF THE CHEROKEES. Parties in Gen. Jackson's cabinet, 547. Resignation of secretaries and attorney-general ; New cabinet, 548. Supposed cause of the cabinet rupture, 549. Ingham and Eaton, 549. Conflicting statements of the cabinet officers and Col. Johnson, 550-552. Mr. Van Buren is sent as minister to England, 652. Debate on the nomination, in executive session, and his rejection, 553-555. Case of the Cherokees, 555-559. CONTENTS. XIII

Chapter XLV. Public Lands

— INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. — PRESIDENTIAL VETOES. — TARIFF OF 1832. — APPORTIONMENT UNDER THE FIFTH CENSUS. — PRESIDENTIAL ELEC- TION. RETURN OF THE LAND BILL. The subject of public lands referred to committee on manufactures, 559. Clay's and King's reports, 559, 560. Land bill, 560. Internal improvement and harbor bills, 561. State claims bill, 501, 562. Tariff, sundry reports and bills, 562- 563. Apportionment under the fifth census, 563,564. Presidential campaign ; Democratic, national republican, and anti-masonic nominations, 564. Van Buren elected, 565. ,

Chapter XLVI. United States Bank

BILL VETOED. AFFAIRS OF THE BANK INVESTIGATED. Recharter of U. S. bank applied for, 566. Dallas and McDuffie's reports, 566. Veto, 567, 568. Charges against the bank, 569. Reports of the committee, 569, 570. Mr. Adams' report, 571-575.

Chapter XLVII. South Carolina Nullification

— JACKSON'S PROCLAMATION. — FORCE BILL. — COMPROMISE TARIFF. — PEACE. — LAND BILL. — CLOSE OF JACKSON'S FIRST TERM. South Carolina prepares to resist the general government, 576, 577. President Jackson's proclamation, 577-581. Nullification act of South Carolina passed; Proclamation denounced; Military preparations, 582. ' The president authorized to enforce the collection of duties, 583. Mediation of Virginia, 583-585- 586. Clay's compromise tariff, 584,585. "Force bill" passed, 585. South Carolina boasting, 586,587.. Clay's land bill vetoed, 587. New bill, 589. Close of presidential term, 590.

Chapter XLVIII. The Bank Controversy

— REMOVAL OF DEPOSITS. — BANK INVESTIGATION. Removal of the deposits from the bank meditated, 591. Inquiry into their security, 592. Appointment of Duane, 592. President Jackson's charges, 592. Duane's disobedience and removal, 594. The act disapproved, 595. Controversy with the directors, 595-600.

Chapter XLIX. Continuation Of The Bank And Deposit Question

— CLAY's RESOLUTIONS, AND THE PRESIDENT'S PROTEST. — POST OFFICE INVESTIGATION. Effects of the removal of the deposits, 600. Reduction of bank loans, 601. Large drafts on the bank, 601. Parties in congress, 602. House debate, 602-605. Clay's resolutions, 605-607. President refuses to answer a call, 606. Mr. Benton's resolution, 606. President's protest, 607. Poindexter's reply, 608. President's explanatory message, 609. Poindexter's resolutions debated, 610. Reports on banks, 611, 612. Adams' resolutions, 618. Dispute about pension agency, 613, 614. Rejection of directors, 614, 615. Post office abuses, 615, 616. CONTENTS.

Chapter L. Cabinet Changes

— MISSION TO ENGLAND. — BENTOn's EXPUNGING RESOLU- TION. — FRENCH INDEMNITY. — POWER OF REMOVAL. — BRANCH MINT. McLane's resignation, 617. Appointment of cabinet officers, 617. Rejection of Stevenson, 617, 618. His resignation as speaker ; Election of Bell, 619. Report of bank committee, 619, 620. Calhoun's reports— a deposit bill, 620. Deposit plan ; Origin of sub-treasury, 620. Benton's expunging resolution, 621, 622. French spoliation bill, 623. Calhoun's report on executive patronage, and debate, 624-629. Branch mint, 629, 630.

Chapter LI. French Spoliations

PROSPECT OF WAR WITH FRANCE. DEBATE ON THE LOST FORTIFICATION BILL. Senate report on French spoliations, 630. Adams' proposition, 631. Resentment of the French government ; Livingston's return, 632. The three million appropriation, 632-640. France demands an apology, 632. President Jackson asks for power of reprisals, 633. Debate on the message, 634, 635. Benton's proposition of defense, 635. Debate on lost fortification bill, 635-640.

Chapter LII. The Anti-slavery Question

DISCUSSION IN CONGRESS. INCENDIARY PUBLI- CATIONS. ATHERTON'S RESOLUTIONS. Effects of anti-slavery operations, 640. Case of Williams ; Rewards for abolitionists, 641. Opposition meetings at the north, 641, 642. Sentiments of the press, 642, 643. Secession and non-intercourse suggested, 643, 644. Violation - of the mails, 644, 645. Anti-slavery address, 645-648. Action of congress on petitions, 648-650. Senate mall prohibition bill, 650. Bill to prohibit the mailing of anti-slavery papers, 650-653. Atherton's resolutions, 653,654.

Chapter LIII. Distribution Of The Surplus Revenue

— DEATH OF MR. MADISON. — ADMIS- SION OF ARKANSAS AND MICHIGAN INTO THE UNION. — RECOGNITION OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF TEXAS. CLAIMS AGAINST MEXICO. Mr. Clay's distribution bill, new plan, 654-656. Mr. Madison's death, 656. Admission of Arkansas and Michigan as states; Long debate, 656-661. Independence of Texas recognized, 662-665. Claims against Mexico ; Authority for reprisals asked for, 665.

Chapter LIV. Specie Circular

— MEETING OF CONGRESS. — RESOLUTION TO RESCIND THE CIR- CULAR. — VETO. — BENTON'S EXPUNGING RESOLUTION. — PRESIDENTIAL ELEC- TION. The specie circular of 1836, 666,667. Meeting of congress; President's message, 667, 668. Ewing's resolution to rescind the circular, and debate, 668- 672. Bill passed, and vetoed, 672. Mr. Benton's expunging resolution renewed, 673. Debate, and passage of the resolution, 674-676. Election of Mr. Van Buren, 676,677. CONTENTS. XV

Chapter LV. Mr

VAN BUREN'S INAUGURATION. — SPECIAL SESSION OF CONGRESS. — SUB- TREASURY. — OTHER FINANCIAL MEASURES. Inauguration of Mr. Van Buren; Address, 677. State of the country; Specie payments suspended, 678, 679. Congress specially convened, 679. Sub-treasury and other bills proposed, 680. Debate on the bill to postpone the deposits, 681-684. On the treasury note bill, 684-687. Sub-treasury billlost, 687, 688. Anti-slavery and Florida war propositions, 688.

Chapter LVI. Independent Treasury

— AGAIN DEFEATED. — TALLMADGE's SPEECH. — INCIDEN- TAL DEBATE BETWEEN CLAY, CALHOUN, AND WEBSTER. — SPECIE CIRCULAR RE- PEALED. Sub-treasury bill— again defeated, 689-690. Speech of Mr. Tallmadge, 690-693. Personal debate between Messrs. Clay, Calhoun, and Webster, 693-702- Virtual repeal of the specie circular, 702.

Chapter LVII. Annexation Of Texas

— SPEECHES OF PRESTON AND ADAMS. PROPOSITION WITHDRAWN BY TEXAS. Mr. Preston's resolutions for annexing Texas, 703. His speech, 704-709. Speech of Mr. Adams .against annexation, 709-712. Texas withdraws her proposition, 712.

Chapter LVIII

" PATRIOT WAR." — AFFAIR OF THE CAROLINE. — TRIAL OF M'KENZIE AND VAN RENSSELAER. — TRIAL OF M'LEOD. Insurrection in Upper Canada, 712. Affair of the Caroline, 713. Facts relating to the war, 714. Trials of M'Kenzie and M'Leod, 714-717. M'Leod case in congress, 717-722. Legislature of New York, 722.

Chapter LIX. The Slave Schooner Amistad

— CAPTIVES LIBERATED. — MEETING OF THE TWENTY-SIXTH CONGRESS. SEATS OF THE NEW JERSEY MEMBERS CONTEST- ED. — FLORIDA WAR. Capture of the Amistad. 723. Demand for the surrender of the slaves — resisted, 723. Judicial investigation, 723-726. Interposition of the British government, 726, 727. Division of the supreme court of the United States, 727. The 26th congress — great contest for seats, 728-732. Sub-treasury established, 732. War with the Seminole Indians, 733. CONTENTS.

Chapter LX. Presidential Election Of

1840. — CLAIMS ON MEXICO.— CLOSE OF MR. VAN buren's ADMINISTRATION. Presidential nominations, 735. Pecuniary condition of the country, 735, 736. Measures to promote the election, 736-737. Mr. Tyler and his party, 737. Harrison and Tyler elected, 738. Claims on Mexico, 738. Close of Mr. Van Buren's term, 739.

Chapter LXI. Inauguration Of General Harrison

— HIS DEATH. — INAUGURATION OF MR. TYLER. — EXTRA SESSION OF CONGRESS. — BANK VETOES. DISSOLUTION OF THE CABINET. President Harrison inaugurated, 740. Address, 740-744. His cabinet, 744. He convenes congress ; His death, 744. Mr. Tyler's inaugural, 745. Special session of congress, 746. Sub-treasury repealed; Bank prepared, 747. Mr. Tyler's veto of bank bills, 748. A new bill proposed, passed, and vetoed, 749. Resignation of cabinet officers, 749. Statements of the retiring officers, 749- 753. Botts' letter, 753. Webster's, 754. New cabinet appointments ; Whig address, 754, 755. Bankrupt, distribution, and loan bills passed, 756.

Chapter LXII. Petition For

A DISSOLUTION OF THE UNION. — ATTEMPT TO CENSURE MR ADAMS. CENSURE OF MR. GIDDINGS. Mr. Adams and the dissolution of the union, 756-758. Resolutions of censure and expulsion proposed, 758. Debate en the same, 758-766. Mr. Giddings presents a petition for dividing the union, 766. Case of the brig Creole, 766 768. Mr. Giddings' resolutions, 768. Censured by the house, 769, 770. His resignation and re-election, 770.

Chapter LXIII. The Tariff Of

1842. — PRESIDENTIAL VETOES. BRITISH COLONIAL TRADE. NORTH-EASTERN BOUNDARY QUESTION SETTLED. Report on the tariff, 770-774. Minority report, 774-778. The revenue bill of the secretary of the treasury reported, 778, 779. Bill with a proviso against the suspension of the distribution act, 779. Vetoed by Mr. Tyler, 780. Debate on veto, 780-782. The revenue hill passed and vetoed, 782. Report on veto, 782, 783. Bill without the distribution proviso passed, 783. A distribuon bill defeated by the president, 784. Petition relating to West India trade, 784. North-eastern boundary question settled, 784-786. CONTENTS.

Chapter LXIV. Annexation Of Texas

— THE PROJECT DEFEATED. — DEATH OF SECRETARIES UPSHUR AND GILMER. Southern views of annexation, 786. Annexation movements, 787. Treaty correspondence, 787-790. Treaty rejected, 790. Secret debate on the treaty, 790-793. Mr. Benton's annexation bill, 793, 794. Debate on the same, 794- 798. Mr. Tyler's message to the house, 798. Explosion on the Princeton, and death of secretaries Upshur and Gilmer, 799.

Chapter LXV. The Presidential Campaign Of

1844. Messrs. Clay and Van Buren's letters on annexation, 799-808. Baltimore conventions — nomination of Clay and Polk, 809. Mr. Clay's position, 810. Oregon and Texas resolution at Baltimore, 810, 811. Confidential circular of protesting democrats, 811-813. Election of Mr. Polk, 814.

Chapter LXVI. Territorial Government Of Oregon

— ANNEXATION OF TEXAS. — FLORIDA AND IOWA ADMITTED. — UNIFORM TIME OF CHOOSING PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS. REDUCTION OF POSTAGE. Bill to establish a government for Oregon, 815. Senate bills for the annexation of Texas, 816, 817. House bill passed, 817, 818. Votes classified, 818. House bill in the senate, 818. Mr. Benton's bill, 819. Debate on annexation, 819. Mr. Benton's resolutions, with Mr. Walker's amendment, adopted, 820, 821. Opinions on annexation, 822-825. Objects of annexation, 825-828. Mr. Benton's Boonville speech, 825, 826. Southern sentiment, 827. Nashville convention, 827, 828. Effect of tariff on prices, 828-830. Effects of annexation, 880. Florida and Iowa admitted, 831. Act in relation to choosing presidential electors, 831. Postage act, 831.

Chapter LXVII. Inauguration Of Mr

POLK. — DEATH OF GEM. JACKSON. — WAR WITH MEXICO, TREATY OF PEACE. Mr. Folk's inauguration and address, 831, 832. His cabinet, 832. Death of den. Jackson, 832. Difficulties with Mexico, 833-835. Army ordered to the Rio Grande, 835. War message, 836. Adoption of war measures, 836. G. Davis' speech, 837, 838. Effects of the war, 838. Two millions bill and Wilmot proviso, 839. President's message, 840. Santa Anna's pass and return to Mexico, 841. Treasury note, and loan bill, 841. Objects of the war; Calhoun and Benton, 842-844. Clayton's disclosure, 844, 845. A moral question, 845-847. Rhett's theory on war power, 847. Treaty of peace, 848. CONTENTS.

Chapter LXVIII. The Oregon Question

Negotiation commenced, 849. Position of the administration, 849-851. Negotiation abandoned ; Various propositions, 851-853. Mr. Adams' speech, 853- 855. Debate continued, 854-860. Excitement in England, 860. Propositions to " give notice," 860-863. Apprehensions of war revived, 860, 861. Debate in the senate, 861-863. Mr. Benton on the boundary, 863-865.