The American statesman: a political history, exhibiting the origin, nature and practical operation of constitutional government in the United States

Front matter

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Preface

The general diffusicn 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 portion of our citizens assume the duties and responsibilities of freemen, without the information requisite to a faithful discharge of these vast responsibilities devolved upon them by the constitution and l^ws. Many of them, ambitious of civil honors, accept important public trusts, with attainments in political science too circumscribed to enable them to render efficient service to the state, or to gain to themselves an honorable distinction. In the character and acts of many of our legislative bodies, does the truth of this remark find abundant confirmation.

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 voluminous and expensive as to render it inaccessible to the greater portion of the community.

A prominent and essential feature of the work is, tliat on all controverted cinestions, whether involving constitutional prin-

IV

PllErACE.

ciples, or mere considerations of expediency, the substance of the arguments on both sides has been faithfully and impartially 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 presenting 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 enlightened 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 permitted the introduction of local politics. The selection ot matter has been almost exclusively confined to subjects of a national character; but the volume has 'been sufficiently extended to embrace most of the principal subjects of our pohti-

cal history. , , . ,.

It has been an object of much care to make the work a re iable one. Its statements are founded principally upon the official records of the government. In the condensation oi speeches, reports, and other documents, pains have been taken to present their strongest points, as well as their true meamng. Where recourse to other sources of information has been necessary, reference has been had to approved and. standai-cl works, among which are those of Marshall, Pitkin, Bancroft, Hidreth,

and others. ,. i . •

That the work, nevertheless, contains some slight maccumcies, is not improbable. It is believed, however, that it will be found free from material errors ; and that it will be acknowledo-ed to possess claims to the public i\xvor, and conduce m some good degree, to a higher and a more general appreciation of our political institiitioua.

Preface To The Complete Edition

The profound interest and importance of a study of national politics can liardlj be overestimated in a coimtry of Ivepublican institntions like the United States. The goyernmental conditions ot most foreign nationalities preclude any share in public questions, except on the part of the privileged classes. But the citizens of this favored nation, one and all, are brought into such near relations to the government, as to inspire them with a constant and intelligent sympathy with all public movements and measures To make snch a sympathy operative for the best discharge of the high duties of citizenship, it is important that it should be illuminated with a knowledge of the political history ot the past. The progress of the United States, as reflected in governoiental action, has been so consecutive and logical that each link m the chain is dependent on the others

The earlier editions of the " American Statesman " were re ceived by the intelligent and thoughtful public with a favor Pnd appreciation worthy of the exhaustive pains and thought bestowed on them by Mr. Young, whose reputation was solid and wide-spread as a political thinker and statistician. The last edition brought the political history of the -nation down to the close of the recent war. Before the accomplished author had opportunity to continue the favorite labor of his life he died and the work .passed into other hands. '

Tlie public history of the United States since the victory over the Confederacy has been one of pecuhar and exceptional interest. xNew questions had to be treated, problems of constitutional law solved, and emergencies provided for, unparalleled in our previous history. Twelve years of complicated legislation, and such a brilliant contest in the halls of Congressional debate as is worthy of the days of Webster, Calhoun, and Clay, attest the importance ' ot the mterests involved in the conflict. The elevation of a race trom the condition of vassalage to that of free and equal citizen-

VI PEEFACE TO THE COMFLETE EDITION.

ship, and all the troubled questions relating to so colossal a change, have taxed the ablest minds of the nation, and wrought out the acts of a political drama of the deepest interest and significance. The reconstruction of the Southern States, the rehabilitation of the finances, and the clash and collision of the most bitter ]>rejudices and antipathies on a class of political problems, peculiarly fitted to irritate the public mind, have made the last twelve years a notable epoch in our history/ To present these questions and an intelligent digest of their treatment in a spirit approaching judicial calmness and impartiality has been the purpose of the present enlarged and revised edition. It is difiicult to avoid color and bias in the discussion of such matters, but, so far as practicable, the aim has been to play the role of the faithful historian. In the pursuance of this spirit, facts have been recorded rather than mere theory and speculation, and the men who have moulded the history of the nation have been made to speak for themselves, without the glosses and partisan comments of the essayists. Local State questions have been ignored, except so far as circumstances expanded and heightened them into matters of national importance. Fidelity to a plan, and the limits of space, have compelled the writer to pass over some questions, in themselves worthy of extended mention. But it is believed that all problems involving legislation of permanent significance and value have been fairly presented. The pui-pose has been to make the last addition to the " American Statesman " no less worthy of public favor than the earher portions, and to put into the hands of every thoughtful and conscientious citizen, from lawyer and pohtician to farmer and mechanic, a faithful and reliable record of the legislation and political growth of the nation.

G. T. F.

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

Origin Of our republican institutions, 21. Charter goTernments; 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? Concrress ofdeputies' petition for relief, 38. Franklin deputed to England 39 Prrliament 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 1776; 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 Spam, 55, 56. Shay's insurrection, 66. Movements for a 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.- THB FUNDING OF THE PUBLIC DEBT.- THE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT.

Mooting Of Congress in New York ; election of Washington and Adams ; acts for the encouragement of manufactures and navigation, 75, 76. Power of removal. . b. Washington's cabinet ; constitutional amendments, 77. Plans of finance • funding of the public debt, 78-85. North Carolina cedes her western Lands Ho. beat of government, 86, 86.

■"!' CONTENTS.

Chapter VI

GZCISE ON DISTILI.ee LIQUORS. — INCORPORATION OF A NATIONAL BANK. — AP- PORTIONMENT BILL, WAR WITH THE WESTERN INDIANS.

Proposed increase of duties, 86. Opposition to tlje administration, 87. National bank, 88-91. Kentucky admitted into ttie union, 92. Apportionment of representatives, 98 Indian hostilities, 93, 94. Tariff increased, 94.

CHAPTER VII. OPPOSITION TO Washington's administration. — differences betwefn

SECRETARIES JEFFERSON AND HAMILTON. WHISKY INSURRECTION. FUGI- TIVE LAW. CONSTITUTION AMENDED.

Opposition to tlie administration ; Cabinet controversy ; Jefferson and Hamilton, 95-101. Their letters to Washington, 102-104. Whisky insurrection, 105,

106. Re-e'.ection of Wiishington and Adam?, 106. Charges against Hamilton,

107. Fugitive slave laAv, 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 oi 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 CO.M-

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 AVayne, 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 ; CabineJ appointments, 140. Indian treaty, 140. Treaties with Spain and Algiers, 140. Presentation of French colors, 141. Debate on the Jay treaty, 142-146. Franco, Spain, and Holland dissatisfied with the treaty, 146, 147. Alliance of Fraa^-V and Spain, 147. Monroe succeeded by Pinckney, 148.

CONTENTS. iS

Chapter XI. Washington Declines Ancthbr Reelection. — His Last Annual Message

MR- PINCKNEY EXPELLED FROM FRANCE. ELECTION OF ADAMS AND JElFEa-

SON.

Washiugton declines another re-election, 148. His suspicions of Jeflferson, 149, 160. The Mazzei letter, 150. Forged letters, 151. French minister and the election, 152. Tri-colored cockade, 153. Washington's last message, 153, 154. French gcvernment refuse to receive Pinckney, 155. Election of Adams and Jefferson, 15t, Washington retires ; is denounced by the Aurora, 156.

Chapter XII

IN4CGURATION OF MR. ADAMS. — RELATIONS WITH FRANCE. — SPECIAL SESSIOK.

MEASURES OF DEFENSE. ALIEN AND SEDITION LAWS.

Adajas' 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-intercoursa and cbfense against France, 165. Navy department established, 166. Washingtonagain 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, 170 ; Virg. and Kentucky resolutions ; Nullification, 172-176. Case of Matthev Lyon, 176,177.

Chapter XIII

DIFFICULTIES VlTH FRANCE. TREATY NEGOTIATED. DIVISION OF THE FEDER- ALISTS. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.

A new mission toFrance; Dissensions in the administration, 178-180. Another revolution in Kance, 181. Treaty negotiated, 182, 183. Ratified, 184. Newspaper press, \84-186. Resistance to tax law in Pennsylvania, 186-187. Sixth congress, fiist session, 187. Indiana territory, 188. Rupture in tho cabinet, 188-189. Ii-esidential election, 189-192. Jefferson and Burr, 191, 192. New judiciu.1 act, IK). Implication and vindication of Bayard and others, 192-195.

Chapter XIV

MR. JEFFEIvSON's INAUGUKtION. APPOINTMENTS. NATURALIZATION. PUR- CHASE OF LOUISIAVA BOUNDARY TREATY WITH ENGLANP.

(nanguration of Mr. Jeffer.on, and address, 196-198. His cabinet, 198. Appointments and removals 198-202. Acts passed, 1801-1802; Use of the I)ort of New Orleans interrupted, 204. Purchase of Louisiana, 203-209, Monroe succeeds Rufus King at London, 208. Spain dissatisfied with thd purcha.se of Louisiana, 209. Divisicn of the territory, 209. Attempt to introduce slavery into Indiana, 2(q,210. Amendment of the constitution, 210 Spain refuses to ratify a treaty forindemnity. 210. Louisiana boundary, 210 211. Spain consoi s to the transtr, 211. Treaty of boundary with Greai Britain. 211-212.

X CONTENTS.

Chapter XV

MR. Jefferson's re-election. — relations with France and England. —

TREATY with THE LATTER REJECTED. AFFAIR OF THE CHESAPEiiiB. —

SLAVE, TRADE ABOLISHED.

Re-election of Jeflferson, 212 Gunboat system, 212, 213. Indiana and Orleans teiritoiies, 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. The Commercial Warfare Between Great Britain, Fkawce, And The

UNITED STATES. — BRITISH ORDERS IN COUNCIL. FRENCH, BERLIN, AND

MILAN DECREES. THE EMBARGO, AC. DIPLOMATIC DISCUSSIONS.

British orders in council ; Berlin and Milan decrees of France, 226-228. Emtergo, &c., 228. Suppressed documents, 229-231. Effects of embargo, 232. Non-intercourse law, 232-233. British negotiation, (Erskine and Jacksoi,) 233- 234 Rambouillet decree, 23i. Conditional non-intercourse, 234. Caiditional revocation of French decrees, 235. Non-intercourse with France revoked, 235. Dipiomatic discussion between the United States and Great Britaii, (Monroe and Foster.) 235-240. French restrictions still continue, 241, 242. Supposed objects of Great Britain and France, 243. Secretary' Smith's resignation and

Chapter XVII. Twelfth Congress. — British Plot. — The War Question L* Congress

DECLARATION OF WAR.

Early meeting of congress, 247. British plot, (John Henry,) 2i 3-249. Measures of defence, 249. Embargo, 250. Presidential nominations, '-50. War message, 251. War report, 252. French doctrine of neutral rights^ 252, 253. War declaicd, 254. Address of minority of congress, 254-258 Bonaparte's decree of repeal, 258,259. Orders in council revoked, 259. Departure of British minister, (Foster); At Halifax; Armistice proposed .ind declined, 260,261. Number of impressnients, 261. War measures, 262. idmission of Louisiana ; Missouri territory, 262.

Chapter XVIII

RE-ELECTION OF MR. MADISON. CONTROVERSY fITH MASSACHUSETTS AND

CONNECTICUT. RUSSIA OFFERS TO MEDIATE. liJTIES AND TAXES. EMBAR- GO. ITS SUDDEN REPEAL. OFFER TO NEGa'IATE. ACCEPTED. CAPITOL

BURNED. HARTFORD CONVENTION. BANK PjOJECTS.

Re-election of Madison, 262. Massachusetts and-'onnecticut disregard war orders,

263. Loan authorized, 263. Act to relievf importers, 263. Retaliation act,

264. Russian mediation, 264-267. Negr-iation for peace; Commissioners, 264-267. Duties and taxes, 264,265. Eubargo, 265. New loan, 266. Embargo and non-intercourse repealed, 266 Restoration of the Bourbons, 267. Capitol at Washington burned, 268. ^urther war measures, 2f<9. Hartford convention 269-272. State of the finaces, 272. National bank proposed^ 27i;.

CONTENTS. 51

Chapter XIX. Peace With Great Britain. — General Jackson And Martial Law At H's.vt

ORLEANS. PROTECTIVE TARIfF.— BANK. COMPENSATION, NAVIGATION, NEU-

TR> LITY, 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 286-288. 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. Arabrister 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 memori.al, 296- 298. Treaties with Spain and Great Britain, 299-302. Florida, &c., ceded t(. the 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 805, &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

rns MISSOURI compromise, admission op MAINE AND MISSOURI INTO THB

UNION.

Admission of Missouri as a state defeated, 313. Maine and Missouri admitted; Slavery compromise, 313-319.

Chapter XXIV

THS FINANCES. — THE TARIFF OF 1824. — SPEECHES OF CLAY AND WllBSTER.

MeetiLg 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. Webater, 331-340.

Xll CONTENTS.

Chapter XXV

ELECTION OP MR. ADAMS —THE ALLEGED COALlTIOX BET'WEEN ADAMS AND CLAY. PROPOSiriONS FOR EETRENOIIMENT AKD 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. Propositi :»ns for retrenchment and reform, 348, &c.

Chapter XXVI. The Panama Mission

The Panama mission proposed, 352. Commissioners nominated, 35b; Oonflrmed, 355. Mission reported against, 354 ; Debate on, in the house, 355-360. The congress meets at Panama, 3G0. Adjourned to Taciibaya, 36].

Chapter XXVII

CONTROVERSY WITH GEORGIA, IN RELATION TO THE REMOVAL OF THE INulANS.

Removal of the Indians, 361. Treaty with the Creeks in Georgia, 362. Controversy between Georgia and tlie 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. Noi'th-eastern boundary, 386. Navigation of the St. LaAvrence, 386-390.

Chapter XXX

NOMINATION OF GEN, JACKSON. MORE OF THE '"' COALITION." JACKSOn's LET- TERS ON THE TARIFF AND INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.

Gen. Jackson nominated by the legislature of Tennessee ; liotter of resignation as senator, 391-393. Recommends amendments of constitution, 392. The " coalition" charge renewed, 393, &c. Carter Beverley's letter and Jackson's, 894. Buchanan's, Eaton's and Marklcy's letters, 396-399. Clay's address, 399. Adams' declaration, 400. Jackson's letter to the Indiana legislature ou the tariff and internal improvements, 401-403.

Chapter XXXI

THE "woolens BILL." HARRISBURG CONVENTION. — TARIFF OF ISM.

A.dditional duties on wool and woolen goods proposed, 403-405. Debate on the hill, 405 411. Tariff meeting in Philadelphia, 412. Harrisburg convention 412-414 Tariff of 1828, 414, &c. Debate en, 415-418. Feeling at the sontl respecting, 419 420,

CONTENTS. XUl

CHAPTER XXXII. INTRODUCTICy AND DISCUSSION OF RESOLUTIONS ON RETRENCHMENT AND

REFORM.

Mr. Chilton's resolutions for retrenchment and reform, 421. Abuses spccifled, 422. Administration defended, 424-427. Union of the friends of JacksoL, 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

POMTICS OF 1808. MR. ADAMS AND THE BOSTON FEDERALISTS. CHARGE OF AS

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 Atte.mpt 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, 460

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 oj 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 PRE8ID1 NT JACKSON. — REMOVALS FROM OFFICE. — MEETIJJQ OF CONGRESS. PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.

Inauguration of Gen. Jackson, 476, 477. His cabinet, 477. New ru/e of removal and appointment, 478, 479. Extent of removals, 480. Meeting of congress President's message, 481-484. Power of removal discussed, 484-48t5.

XIV CONTENTa

Chapter XXXIX

foot's resolutions on the public lands. GREAT DEBATE IN THE SENATit

Foot's resolutions for a temporary limitation of land sales, 487. Speeches ot 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 OTHKRS. — VETOES OF THE

PRESIDENT.

M'DufDe's report on the bank of the United States, 500-500. 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 609, 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, 627.

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, 532,633. Impeachment and trial of Judga Peck, 533,534. Attempt to revise the tarifif, 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 add recrimination, 637. Repetition of the Florida war controversy, 637,

Chapter XLIV

UISSOLUTION OF GEN. JACKSON's CABINET. — MR. VAN BUREn's REJECTION A8 MINISTER TO ENGLAND. — CASE OF THE CHEROKEES.

Parties in Gen. Jackson's cabinet, 547. Resignation of secretaries and attornej - general ; New cabinet, 548. Supposed cause of the cabinet rupture, 649. Ingham and Eaton, 549. Conflicting statements of the cabinet officers and Col. Johnson, 550-552. Mr. Van Bureu is sent as minister to England, 552. DebaU) on the nomination, in executive session, and his rejection, 653-555. Case oi the Chei'okeef 555-559.

CONTENTS. XV

Chapter XLV

PUBLIC LANDS. INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. PRESIDENriA.L VETOES. TARIFF

OF 1332. 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, 661, 562. Tariff, sundry reports and bills, 562- 663. Apportionment under the fifth census, 563,564. Presidential campaign; Democratic, national republican, and auti-masonlc 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, 669,570. 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, 682. 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, 686, 587. Clay's land bill vetoed, 587. New bill, 589. Close of presidential term, 590.

Chapter XLVIII. Thb Bank •controversy. — Removal Of Deposits. — Bank Investigation

Removal of the deposits from the bank meditated, 691, Inquiry into their security, 592. Appointment of Duane, 592. President Jackson's charges, 692, Duane's disobedience and removal, 594. The act disapproved, 596. Controversy with the directors, 695-600.

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. Report? on Ijanks, 611, 612. Adams' resolutions, 618. Dispute about pensioE agency, 613, 614. Rejection of directors, 614, 615. Post office abuses, 615, 616.

SVl 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. RejectioD 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 repuit on executive patronage, and debate, 624-629. Branch mint, 629, 630.

Chapter LI

FRENCH SPOLIATIONS. — PROSPKCT 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. Tlie tliree 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 LIL

THE ANTI-SLAVERY QUESTION. — DISCUSSION IN CONGRESS. INCENDIARY PUBLI- CATIONS, ATHERTOn's RESOLUTIONS.

EflFects of anti-slavery liberations, 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 mail 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-C61. 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 election.

The specie circular of 1836, 666, 667. Meeting of congress ; President's message, 667, 668. Ewing's resolution to rescind the circular, and dcoate, 668- 672. Bill passed, and vetoed, 672. Mr. Benton's expunging resolution renewed, 673. Debate, and passage of the resolution, 674-676. Elect) <>n of Mr Van Buren, 676,677.

CONTENTS. XVll

Chapter LV

MK, 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 bill — lost, 687,688. Anti-slavery and Florida war propositions, 688.

CHAPTER L7I.

INDEPENDENT TREASURY. AGAIN DEFEATED. TALLMADGE's SPEECH. INCIDKN-

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. PR0P08ITI0M

WITHDRAWN BY TEXAS.

Mr. Preston's resolutions for annexing Texas, 703. His speech, 704-709. Speech of Mr. Adams against annexation, 709-712. Texas withdi'aws her proposition, 712.

Chapter LVIII

" PATRIOT WAR." — AFFAIR OF THE CAROLINE. — TRIAL OF m'kKNZIE 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'Lcod, 714-717. M'Leod case in congress, 717-722. Legislature of New York, 722.

Chapter LIX

THE SLAVE SCHOONER AMISTAD. CAPTIVES LIBERATED. MEETING OF TUB

TWENTY-SIXTH CONGRESS. SEATS OF THE NEW JERSEY MEMBERS CONTEST- ED. — FLORIDA WAR.

CaptTiTe of the Amistad. 723. Demand for the surrender of i,he 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 conjiress — great contest for seats, 728-732. Sub-treasury established, 732i War with the Seminole Indians, 733.

Xyiii CONTENTS.

Chapter LX

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OF 1840. —CLAIMS ON MEXICO.— CLOS E OF MR. VAN BUREN's ADMINISTRATION.

Presidential nominations. 735. Pecuniary condition of the country, 736, 738 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. Imauguration Of General Harrison.— His Death.— Inauguration O* Mr

TYLER. EXTRA SESSION OF CONGRESS. BANK VETOES.— DISSOLUTION OF THE

CABINET.

President Harrison inaugurated, 740. Address, 740-744. His cabinet, 744. Ha convenes congress ; His death,' 744. Mr. Tyler'h aiaugural, 745 Special session of congress, 746. Sub-treasury repealed ; Bank proposed, 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- 763.°Botts' letter, 753. Webster's, 754. New cabinet appointments ; Whig address, 754, 755. Bankrupt, distribution, and loan bills passed, 766.