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 OF OHIO. 
 
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 January 9, 1843. 
 
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 THE LIFE AND SERVICES 
 
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 OF 
 
 GENERAL LEWIS CASS, 
 
 OF OHIO. 
 
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 HARRISBURG, -^ 
 
 JANUARY 9th, 1842. 
 
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LIFE AND SERVICES 
 
 OF 
 
 GENERAL LEWIS CASS. 
 
 Tlie father of General Cass was a native of New Hampshire, who entered 
 the army as a private soldier the day after the battle of Lexington, and le- 
 maiiied in the service during the whole Virar, till ihe dissolution of the army. 
 He rose successively through the grades of corporal, sergeant, ensign, and 
 lieutenant, to be captain, and was in the battles of Bunker Hill, Long Island, 
 Monrtiouth, Brandy wine, Germantown, in the expedition of Sullivan, in the 
 actions between Gates and Burgoyne, and at the Siege of Yoiktown. 
 
 After the organization of the new constitution, he was appointed a major in 
 the western army, and served under St. Clair and Wa3ne, till the year 1800, 
 when he resigned and retiied to piivate life, upon the Muskingum, when he 
 closed his useful and honorable career in the year 1830. 
 
 A just tribute to his merit was paid upon two public occasions by two of 
 the most distinguished literary men, who do honor to our country. By Mr. 
 Everett in his remarks at Boston, upon the occasion of the visit of General 
 Jackson, and recently by Mr. Bancioft, in a lecture at Philadelphia, when 
 this accomplished historian turned to General Cass, who was present, and in 
 an extemporaneous and most happy allusion, brought to notice the character 
 and patriotic services of his father. 
 
 His son, Lewis Cass, was born at Exeter, New Hampshire, where he was 
 educated by a celebrated teacher. Doctor Abbot. .\t the age of seventeen he 
 left thai place and removed to Marietta, in the State of Ohio, where he studied 
 law, and was admitted to the Bar, at the very close of the Territorial govern- 
 vernment. After being admitted, he practised law at Marietta, Chilicothe, 
 Zanesville, and other places, till the year 1806, when he was elected a member 
 of the Legislature. 
 
 He served during the eventful session, when the plans of Burr occupied so 
 much of the public attention. There was a mystery about them which 
 alarmed the general government exceedingly, and in fact, every man said to 
 his neighbor, what is the object of all this, and who are engaged in it? Some 
 thought the design was to sever the western from the Eastern States, and 
 others that it was to take possession of New Orleans, seize the specie there 
 and push on to Mexico, to conquer that Kingdom. The alarm of Mr. Jeffer- 
 son may be imagined from the fact, that he sent a special agent, Mr. Graham 
 to the Western States, to put himself in communication with the Executives 
 and Legislatures, and to urge upon them the most prompt and vigilant mea- 
 sures for the defeat of the enterprise. Among other extraordinary powers 
 granted upon this occasion was one to Mi. Tiffin, then Governor of Ohio, 
 authoiising him to remove " any postmaster west of the mountains, suspected 
 of being unfriendly to the unity of this Republic." 
 
 A special message from the Governor to the Legislature, brought this mat- 
 ter before them — and Mr. Cass was placed upon the committee to which it 
 was referred. This comniiitee put themselves in communication with Mr. 
 Graham and Mr. Cass, drafted a law, which authorised the Governor to call 
 out the militia, and to arrest all persons engaged in any Whrlike enterprise. 
 The promptness of the Jjegislamre was met by the spirilof the public. Every 
 where the aimed force was in motion, and the enterprise was defeated and 
 
4 cur. LlfK .\.\ll SI.IIVMXH OF 
 
 broken u|), and iis leadei and piiu' 'ij::! abettdts wor>-itd. We (juole from a 
 contemporary Journal the remarks ol Mr. Cass upon ilic passa-^-c^ of the bill 
 for the suppression of the conspiracy, delivered Deceinlicr 2d, I^Ofi. 
 
 f' Mr. Cass said, he was well awaie that the provisions nf the Bill now 
 under conc^ideration, were important and ihc junalties heavy, l;ut that he 
 could see a justification for supporting it, in the rumors which were now 
 afloat- -tumois, which threatened the peace and tranquility of the Slate. — 
 Na}', lumoiu, which daily ncijuire new credit and ndditiunnl coiilJrrnation, and 
 which he believed were will founded, ^hall we sit still, silent spectators, and 
 not endeavor to prevent illegal steps bting taken in this S<tate 1 Grant that 
 the provisions of the Bill and all we can do should prove to be unnecessary, 
 still we ought (o act. By common report, we are told, that great talents, 
 treasure and enterprise are engaged in a scheme, which threatens ruin to the 
 country — and he wished lo see a law, such as the Bill before the House, im- 
 mediately passed, for it could not be done too soon. Perhaps, while we are 
 now debating, the plan may be carrying into eirect, A plan, the means for 
 effecting which, have no doubt been duly weighed by those at the head of it. 
 He could not doubt for a moment but that the officer to whom the execution 
 of the law was to be entrusted, would do his duty, and wonid not improperly 
 'use the power vested in him, and he thcrefoie hoped the bill would pass." 
 
 The following address was also voted T)y the Legislatme of Ohio to Mr. 
 Jefferson. It was diafted by Mr. Cass, and serves to show the state of pub- 
 lic sentiment at that time. The answer of Mr. Jefferson, evinces the high 
 opinion which that venerated .statesman formed of the zea! and energy of the 
 executive, the legislature, and the people ol'that state. 
 
 CuiLicoTiir;, December 26, 1806. 
 
 " On Thusday last, Mr. J^ewis Cass introduced the following resolution, 
 which was agreed to, and passed both houses without one dissenting voice. 
 
 " Resolved unanimously, by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, 
 that the governor be rcqucf^ted to transmit to the Piebident of the United 
 States the following address. 
 
 To Thomas Jefferson, Esq., President of the United States. , 
 
 ••Siij^ — At a time when the public mind, throughout the union, is 
 agitated with alaiming leporis, respecting the existence and design of a 
 party, hostile to the welfare and prosperity of the country, we deem it a 
 duty incumbent on us to express to the executive of the union, our attachment 
 to the government of the United States, and our confidence in its administration. 
 Whatever may be the intentions of desperate and abandoned men, respecting 
 the destruction of that constitution, which has raised us to our present elevated 
 rank among the nations of the world, and which is our only security for the 
 future, we trust they will find very few advocates in the State of Ohio. We 
 express the feelings and opinions of our constituents, when we say, that no 
 arts of intriguing men — no real or vissionary prospects of advantage, will 
 ever induce us to sever that bond of union, which is our only security against 
 domestic violence a;.d foreign invasion. 
 
 " Believing that the fnndamentrd maxims of rational liberty have guided you 
 in the administration of our government, we hesitate not to express our full 
 and entire confidence in your counsels and conduct. Enjoying every bless- 
 ing which, as. men and as citizens, we could desire, and in a country fertile 
 in natuie's choicest gifis, we should deem it presumptuous indeed, to hazard 
 by intestine dissentions, these incalcniablo advantages. We trust that public 
 rumor has magnified the danger; but should the des^ign in agitation be as 
 destructive as represented, we have no doubt that all fear will shoitly be dis- 
 sipated before the indignation of our ciiizcns, 'J'hat you may long live to 
 enjoy the confidence and atliichment of the American people, is the sincere 
 and unanimous wish of the Lei^islalure of Ohi > " 
 
GENERAT. LBWIS CASS. 5 
 
 f Reply of M,\ Jefferson to tht Governor of Ohio. J 
 
 Wasuiwktox, Feburaiy 2, 1807. 
 
 '• Sir, — The pressing business during a session of the legislature, has ren- 
 dered me more tardy in addie.-.-:ing you, than it was my wish to have been 
 That our feliow-citizenaot'thc west, would only need to be infotmcd of ciimi- 
 nal machinations against the public safety, to crush them, at once, I never 
 entertained a doubt. 
 
 " I have seen, with the greatest satisfaction, that among those who have 
 distinguished themselves by their fidelity to their country, on the occasion of 
 the enterprise of Mr. Burr, yours;clf and the Legislature of Ohio have been the 
 most eminent ; the promptitude and energj' di.-played by your state, has been 
 as honourable to itself, as salutary to its sister states, and in declaring that 
 you have deserved well of yout country, I do but express the grateful senti- 
 ments of every fellcv-eilizen in it. The hand of the people has given a 
 mortal blow to a conspiracy, wlii -h, in other countries, would have called for 
 ■ an appeal to arms, and has proven that government to be the strongest of which 
 every man feels himself a [)art. It is a happy illustration, too, of the im- 
 portance of preserving to the stale .Tuthorities all the vigor which the constitu- 
 tion foresaw would be necessary, not only for their own safety, but for that of 
 the whole. 
 
 In making these acknowledgments of the nierits of having set this illustrious 
 example of exertion for the common safety, I pray thiit they may be consider- 
 ed as addressed to yourseif and the Legislature paiticularly, and generally to 
 every citizen who has availed himself of the opportunity given, of proving his 
 devotion to his country. 
 
 Accept my salutations and assutances of great consideration and esteem, 
 (Signed) THOM.^S .fEFFERSON." 
 
 His Excellency Gov. Tiffin. 
 
 The succeeding year he was appointed fey Mr. Jeflerson, Marshall of Ohio. 
 An incident connected with this appointment may be worth mentioning. Mr. 
 Cass's predecessor was a distinguished man, of excellent character, with a cl«ar 
 hea^, and a good heart. Unfoitunately, however, the conviviality of his tem- 
 per led him to indulge too much in the use of ardent spirits. For tliis cause 
 Mr. Jeti'er.son was obliged to remove him, and he remarked, in the course of 
 he discussion to which the matter gave rise, that the habit of intoxication had 
 given him more trouble than any other cause, during his administiation, and 
 that were he to commence his Executive career again, the first question he 
 would ask respecting any applicant for office, would be, if he were prone to the 
 tao free use of spirituous drinks. 
 
 Mr. Cass continued in the perfoimance of the duties of Marshall, and also 
 in the practice of the law for several year?. During this time arose in Ohio, a 
 question which was much agitated there, and greatly divided the public opinion. 
 At this day il is diHicult to estimate the degree of excitement which prevailed. 
 
 The point may now appear very strange, but it was then of vital interest. — 
 A Superior Court made a decision on a Constitutional question, which the 
 Legislature considered erroneous. The Judges were impeached upon the ground 
 that they were responsible in this process for errors of opinion. Considering 
 the doctrine a fatal one to public security and to true liberty, Mr. Cass volun- 
 teered in the defence of the Judges, and aided in their trial, which terminated 
 
 their acquittal. 
 i'^In 181-, came on the stiring events of war. It was forced upon us by the 
 upportablc ar rogance and injustice of England, and General Cass fully par- 
 ticipated in the conviction of the Democratic party that it was necessary ; and 
 upon the first call of the government for a volunteer force, to serve under Ge- 
 neral Hull, and to march to the defence of Detroit and of the Lake frontier, he 
 tendered his services, and did all in his power to induce tho young men of the 
 
6 THK LIFE AHD SERVICKS OF 
 
 country to turn out. Tho appeal to the patriotism of Ohio was eminently 
 successful, and three regiments of volunteers were raised. They were match- 
 ed to Dayton, where they were organized, and Mr. Cass was elected Colonel 
 of the third regiment. At ihe time he volunteered he held the commission of 
 a Brigadier General in the militia of Ohio. 
 
 When Creneral Hul! encamjjed with his troops at Dayton, a hollow square 
 was formed, and the Ameiican standard was pitched in the centre. Upon this 
 occasion Colonel Cass delivered the following address, which is taken from 
 the Wational Intelligencer. 
 
 " Fellow Citizens.- — The standard of your country is displayed. You have 
 Tallied round it to defend her rights and lo avenge her injuries. May it wave 
 protection to our friends, and defiance to our enemies. And should we ever 
 meet them in the hostile ficlils, I doubt not but that the Eagle of America 
 will be found more than a match for the British Lion." 
 
 It is difficult, at this time of our peace and safety to form an adequate con- 
 c«ption of the enthusiasm with which this short, but pithy address was received 
 by the flower of the State, th^n under arms and about to enter upon an uncer- 
 tain carupnign. 
 
 The progress and result of the unfortunate expedition of General Hull fill a 
 sad page in the history of our country. Never was an army composed of b?t- 
 ter or more spirited materials. They met all the untoward accidents of the 
 campaign with untiring firmness. 'I'hey consisted of three regiments of Ohio 
 volunteers, commanded by Colonel McArthui, Cass, and Findley, and of the 
 fourth regiment of the United States Infantry, commanded by the gallant and 
 revered Colonel, now General Miller. The news of the declaration of war 
 reached them in the wilderness, and they pushed on to Detroit, animated by 
 the highest hopes. The Commander-in-Chief, General Hull, was authorised 
 to invade Canada at his discretion. He determined to do so, and the embar- 
 kation was made from a point a little above Detroit, and the advanced force 
 was composed of tho regiments of Colonels Cass and Miller. Cobnel Cass 
 occupied the how of one of his boats, and was the first man who landed in 
 arms upon the Canadian shore, after the declaration of war. Immediately after 
 the army landed in Canada, an expedition was organized under the command 
 of Colonels Cass and Miller, to move towards the British Fort Maiden, and to 
 lake possession of a bridge over the river Aux Canards, (Duck River,) which 
 commanded the approach to it. By ascending this river some distance above 
 the bridge, the stream was forded, and the British party at the bridge surprised. 
 Here was shed the first blood in the late war. The party lied to Maiden, and 
 the Ameiican detachment took possession of the bridge. Here the two Colo- 
 nels wrote a note lo the General, urging upon him the necessity of an immedi- 
 ate movement of his whole force to join the advanced party, and to push on to 
 the capture of the British Fort, which would have terminated the campaign 
 by a glorious stroke that would have been felt through the whole course of the 
 war, and would have ensured the submission of Upper Canada, and the peace 
 of the whole north-western frontier. But, unfortunately, the comtrianding Ge- 
 neral was wholly incompetent to his post. On landing in Canada he issued an 
 energetic Proclamation, written by Colonel Cass, which was much applauded 
 at llic time. But here, alas, General Hull's energy ceased, and the whole 
 course of his campaign was marked on his part, by indecision and by imbecili- 
 ty, and was t«-rminatcd by the most signal disaster which ever disgraced the 
 American arms. As the engagement at the river Aux Canards was the first: 
 trial of strength during the last war, we subjoin <'oloncl Cass' official leport, 
 which is not without interest as an historical document. 
 
 Cul. Cass lo General Hull. 
 
 Sandwich, Uppf.e Canapa, .July 17, 1812. 
 "Sin, — In conformity with your instructions, I proceeded with a detach- 
 ment of two hundred and fifty men, to leconnoitie the enemy's advanced posts. 
 
GESEllAI, LIVFIS CASS. T 
 
 We fouml tkcin in possession of a biidge over the river Aux Canards, at tli* 
 distance of four miles from Walden. After examining tbeir position, I left one 
 company of riflemen to conceal themselves near the bridge, and upon our 
 appearance on the opjiosile side of the river to commence firing, in order to 
 divert their attention, and to throw them into confusion. I then proceeded 
 with the leniainder of the force five miles, to a ^qIcc over the liver Canard?, 
 and down on the southern bank of that liver, ^j About sunset vi-e arrived 
 within sight of the enemy. Being entirely dest ute of guides, we marched 
 too near the bank of the river, and found our progress checked by a creek, 
 which was then impassable. We were then compelled to march up a mile in 
 order to cflect a passage over the creek. This gave the enemy time to maka 
 their arrangements, and piepare for their defence. On coming down tho 
 creek, we found them formed ; they commenced a distant fire of musketry. 
 The lifiemen- of the detachment we oimed upon the wings, and the two 
 companies of artillery in the centici^The men moved on with great spirit 
 and alacrity. After the first discharge the British retreated — w continued! 
 advancing. Three times they formed, and as often retreated. We drove 
 them about half a mile, when it became so dark, that we weie obliged to 
 relinquish the pursuit. Two privates of the British 4 1st regiment, were 
 wounded and taken prisoners. We learn from deserters, that nine or ten 
 were wounded, and some killed. We could give no precise information of 
 the number opposed to us. It consisted of a considerable detachmcn of the 
 4 1st regiment, some militia, ami a body of Indians. The guard at the b.iJge, 
 consisted of fifty men. Our riflemen, stationed on this side of the river, dis* 
 covered the enemy reinforcing them during the whole afternoon. There is 
 no doubt, but their numbers considerably exceeded us. Lieutenant Colonel 
 Miller conducted himself in the mon spirited and able manner. I hare every 
 reason to be satisfied with the conduct of the whole detach}nent. 
 Very respectfully, sir, 
 
 [ have the honor to be, 
 
 \'our obedient servant, 
 (signed) LEWIS CASS. 
 
 Colonel '3d regiment Ohio volunteers. 
 Brigadier General Hull. 
 
 On the day of the surrender. Colonel Cass was not at Detroit. He and 
 Colonel M'Arthur had been detached with portions of their respective regi- 
 ments, by an interior route to the liver Raisin, to serve as a convoy to the 
 provisions which were there. 1 pon the route, they received the astounding 
 news, that the army was surrendered, and a letter from General Hull, in- 
 forming them that they weie included in the capitulation, and ordering their 
 immediate return. 
 
 After this event, Colonel M'Aithur, who was the senior ofiicer of the Ohio 
 troops, as soon as they landed at Cleveland, ordered Colonel Cass to Wash- 
 ington, to render an account to the Government, of the unfortunate "catas- 
 trophe, which tilled the country with astonishment and indignation. On his 
 arrival at Washington, Colonel Cass presented to the war department, his 
 well known repor', which has become an histoiical document, and which con- 
 tained a narrative of the expedition, setting forth its prominent events, and the 
 causes and circumstances of its result, by which, as the report said, the 
 United States had " lost a fortified post, an army, and a territory." This 
 jiaper was well received by the Government and the country. 
 
 As a curious episotle in the history of the war, and as an indication of the 
 bitter opposition with which the government was assailed, we may mention, 
 that the rumor was immediately circulated and extensively credited, that Col- 
 onel Cass was incompetent to the preparation of his report, and that it was 
 actually written by Mr. Rush, then the comptroller of the treasury, deservedly 
 enjoying the confidence of the administration, and a zealous and active advo- 
 
8 THB LIFE AKD SSRTICKS OF 
 
 cate of the war. General Hull's conduct had inflicted a deep Wound upon the 
 honor of the country, and put in jeopardy her dearest interests. The report 
 of Colonel Cass, fortified by the unanimous opinion of all his fellow soldiers, 
 exonerated the administration from all blame, and placed the responsibiUty 
 where it was due, upon the imbecile leader, whose incapacity, or worse than 
 incapacity has led to the disastrous result. In their desire to bring to public 
 odium and contempt, Mr. Madison and his cabinet, it became the object of the 
 opponents of the war, to throw discredit upon all, whose testimony might 
 serve to show that the Government was oble and patriotic, and hence the 
 report of the incapacity of Colonel Cass. The followiii;^ Ictteis, which ap- 
 peared upon that occasion, are worth perusal. 
 
 From the National Intelligencer, transcribed into Niles' Kegister, of 
 December 12, 1812. 
 
 To the Editors of t lie National Intelligencer. 
 
 GESTtKWEN, — I transmit you fur publication, the enclosed lettei, po- 
 litely and without solicitation, addressed to me by Mr. IJush. 
 
 So far as respects myself, the tale it lefutes merits no consideration, and 
 would meet no attention. Whether I am incompetent to the task of relating 
 plain facts, many of which I saw, and on ail of which I have had the feelings 
 and information of hundreds to guide me, is a question of no importance to 
 the public anJ of no interest to those editors who have asserted or insinuated 
 it. But it is deeply interesting to their jiassions and pursuits, that every ac- 
 count which tends to exonerate the Government from all participation in the 
 event of an expedition feebly conducted, and in a capitulation dishonorably 
 concluded, should be assailed openly and covertly. I was aware, that every 
 man, who should attempt, by a disclosure of the truth, to communicate cor- 
 rect information, must expect to have his motives impugned and his charac- 
 ter assailed, with all the rancor of malignity and eagerness of party. As I 
 felt no disposition to covet, so I trust, there was no necessity for avoiding an 
 investigation like that. I had witnessed the irritation of feeling, and the lati- 
 tude of observation in many papers in the country. 
 
 The terms " conscripts," a -'little still born army," and every injurious and 
 opprobious epithet, which party zeal could lavish upon western patriotism and 
 enterprise I had observed with regret, but without surprise. But I had to 
 learn, that the editor of a ncivspaj^r, upon his own responsibility, would pro 
 pagate a talc so false and unqualified, as that in the United States Gazette, 
 
 of October last. The letter transmitted will show what credit is 
 
 due to the assertions of men, who can discover little to condemn in an enemy's 
 government, has to approve in their own, 
 
 I cannot resist the present opportunity of placing in its proper point ol 
 view, a transction misrepresented with all the virulence of faction. The 
 capitulation for the surrender <jf Detroit, contained no ntipulitions, allowing 
 the commanding oH'icer to forward to iiis government an account of the causes 
 which produced, and of the circumstances which attended so unexpected an 
 event. The commanding olHcer himself became an unconditioned prisoner of 
 war. His libeiation, or the intelligence he might communisate to his own 
 Government depended on the interest or caprice of the enemy. In this situ- 
 ation, on the anival of Colonel M'Aithur within the jurisdiction oi the United 
 States, he became the senior officer of those troops, which, by the capitulation, 
 were permitted to return home, and, as such, it became a matter of duty to 
 report himself to the Government, and «)f propriety, to communicate to them 
 all the intelligence in his power. For this purpose, the second otficer in com- 
 mand present, wasi ordered to repair to the scat of Government. On his ar- 
 rival he found the lumor of the disaster had jjreceded him, and that inforina- 
 'tion was anxiously and impatiently expected. Public report had informed 
 the Government that they had lost a fort, an army, and a territory, but of the 
 
&£Xi;RAL LEWIS CASS. 9 
 
 remote or diiect causes which occasioned it, of the situation of their own troops, 
 01 of the designs of the eneni}', they were profoundly ignorant. Were they, in 
 this situation fastidiously to reject profiered information, £U)d continue will- 
 fully ignorant of a transaction so striking in its features, and so inipo.tant in its 
 conse<[uencos to the peace and character of the nation] Or were they not 
 compelled by duty to seek evciy means of information, in order with prompti- 
 tude to repair the evil, and with vigilance prevent the repetition of a similar 
 one"! Their duty surely cannot be mistaken by the most bigoted zealot of 
 party. The act, then, of communicating intelligence and that of receiving it, 
 was not merely neutral, but commendable. It was a duty over which the 
 Government had no control. As the officer gave it, they must receive it, nei- 
 ther accountable for the manner nor the accuracy of his relation. 
 
 The question which has been so ably discussed, whether this statement is 
 otiicial ; in itself a very clear on?, will become important and interesting, 
 when disputes about words shall again agitate the feelings and divide the opi- 
 nions of the world. Until then it is cheei fully relinquished to those who 
 have so learnedly investigated it. 
 
 That an officer, in his report must confine himself to those facts, which 
 passed within his own observation, and to which he could testify in a court 
 of justice, is among the moral and exttaordinary pretensions to which this 
 communication has given birth. Meagre, indeed, would be every similar 
 statement, were such a principle correct in theory, or supported by practice. 
 In a complicated transaction, it would present but a skeleton of a report, 
 omitting many interesting details essential to a correct view of the subject, 
 and necessary in the succession of facts, which connect causes with their 
 consequences. It would require almost as many reports as there were 
 actions, and instead of a faithful sketch by a single hand, a motley and discor- 
 dant group of objects would meet the eye, exciting little interest, and con- 
 veying little information. But independently of any speculative views, wh ch 
 may be taken of the subject, it is sufficient to refer every candid and dispas- 
 sionate observer to the reports of military transactions, which daily appear in 
 our own and in other countries. The futility of the objection will at once be 
 exposed, for it will be found that a leport is seldom if ever made without vio- 
 lating this rule, for the first time applied as the standard to the statement of 
 an officer of the most important military event, which had occurred for many 
 years in the history of his country. 
 
 The propriety of publishing such a report, remains only to be investigated. 
 In a Government formed on the power, and supported by the confidence of 
 the people, the right of the public to receive information on all national trans- 
 actions, is too clear lo requite support oi to fear denial. Whether a battle be 
 won or lost, whether the event be biilliant or disastrous, the dut}' of commu- 
 nicating and the right of claiming information, remain the same. Four 
 weeks after the surrender of an important post, while the public mind is 
 agitated and public expectation alive, the Government receive from an officer 
 despatched by a senior officer within their jurisdiction and subject to their 
 control, a statement of the circumstances which preceded and accompanied 
 the transaction. Two weeks would have been sufhcient for the commanding 
 officer to have forwarded his despatches, had the capitulation conferred or 
 him the right, or the enemy the favor of doing it immediately subsequent to 
 the surrender. The Governoient had a right to conclude the privilege was 
 refused him, or the duty omilted by him. 'J'hat portion of the troops which 
 by the capitulation, weie to be conveyed to the United States, uffi)rded a 
 secure opportunity foi this purpose, 'i'his having failed, it became uncertain 
 at what period his communication would be received. Was ihe Goverment 
 then to withhold the inforn.ation they possessed, because that information 
 attributed the failure of the expedition to its commanding officer? The char- 
 racter of the nation, the reputation of the Governmentl and of every indivi- 
 dual embarked in that expedition were involved in its issue. Was it of no 
 
10 THE LTPE AXn SERVICES OT 
 
 importance, by a 'correct disclosure of facts, to redeem the public character 
 and feelings ? Was it of no importance, by placing in a proper point of 
 view, the featUTe3 of the transaction, to show (hat the boasts of the enemy 
 were as vain as their conquest was bloodless ■! To prove to our country, that 
 her sons might yet be led on to battle, and perhaps to victory 1 The Govern- 
 ment, too, had a rej)ulation to lose. That reputation was eagerly assailed. 
 The failure of the expedition was attributed to the want of preparation, and 
 the measures respecting it were characterized as imbecile and ignorant. The 
 forbearance demanded was far from being granted. So fur as respects the 
 commanding oflicer, the details of an unfortunate expedition must be shrouded 
 in Delphi obscurity, and the public await in dubious suspense, the tedious 
 process of miliary investigation. But every little nameless paper is at liberty 
 to display its brilliant wit and sarcastic remarks, at the expense of those who 
 planned and ordered the expedition. Their reputation awaits the result of 
 no trial. They must be oHered up, an expiatory sacrifice, upon the altar of 
 public indignation. The contemplated investigation, which is ultimately to 
 determine the respective measure of merit and of blame, here becomes unne- 
 cessary. Its result is anticipated with that confidence which ought only to 
 he inspired by an accurate knowledge of the attendant circumstances. To re- 
 quire, in such a situation, a studious concealment of those facts which would 
 enable the public correctly to appreciate the conduct of all, is to require a spe- 
 cies of forbearance as little suited to the practice as the duties of life. I am 
 aware that nothing which can be said upon this subject, will with many carry 
 conviction, or produce acknowledgment. The most obvious considerations of 
 reason and of justice will be overlooked. Such, in the conflicts of opinion 
 ^nd the collision of paily, has always been the case. But truth will ulti- 
 mately prevail, and the public will evidently be enabled correctly to estimate 
 the conduct of all who have had any agency in a transaction so deeply inter- 
 esting to their cbaractei and feelings. 
 
 LEWIS CASS. 
 November 20, 1812. 
 
 Washikgtox, November 3d, 1812. 
 
 Deati Sir, — It was not until after I had had the pleasure to see you, and 
 
 for some lime after you left Washington, that the foolish insinuation, which 
 
 has appeared in some of the newspapers, of my having been concerned in 
 
 writing the letter you addressed to the Secretary of War, first came to my 
 
 ears ; nor have I to this day, seen the insinuation in print. 
 
 I would have contradicted it at once, but that it seemed to me quite super- 
 fluous, and that it would be to confer a notice upon it which its idle character 
 did not deserve. In what so strange an untruth could have originated, I am 
 sure I know not; neither can I divest myself of embarrassment in thus trou- 
 bling you with a line about it. I have not yet heard it said that I wrote the 
 address you delivered to the volunteers of Ohio in the spring, before I had the 
 pleasure to see, or to know you; and yet, it is certain, that I wrote as much 
 of that as I did of your letter to the Secretary of War. 
 
 I sincerely hope your health has been re-established since you left Wash- 
 ington, and that to other causes of regret connected with your march to De- 
 troit, there will not be added that of any permanent injury to your constitu- 
 tion. Believe me, dear sir, with great respect and esteem. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 RICHARD RUSH. 
 
 Col. Cass. 
 
 After making his report, Col. Cass returned to Ohio, where he spent a short 
 time with his family, but in a few weeks he was exchanged and appointed, 
 first a Colonel, then a Brigadier General in the United States Army. 
 
GESEHAL tEWIS CAS5. 11 
 
 The Government prepared with vigor to retrieve the honor of our arms, 
 and the patiiotism of Ohio was so much to be depended upon that it was re- 
 iiolved to raise the regiments of regular troops in that State, the >6th and 27th 
 Kegiments of Infantry. The raising and the organization of the first was 
 comnaitted to Gen. McArlhur, and of the iTth to Gen. Cass. The appoint- 
 ment of all the ofliceis (except the field officers) was intiusted to them, and 
 st:ch was the public feeling and the exertions used on the occasion, that both 
 regiments were promptly raised and put in motion, and in the month of July, 
 1813, joined the command of Gen. Harrison, at Seneca, Here the army lay, 
 employed in drilling, and in other necessary duties till the junction of the 
 Kentucky Militia, uuder Governor Shelliy, and the victory of Perry, upon 
 Lake Erie, enabled Gen. Haiiison to commence offensive operations. The 
 army was transported to the Canadian shore, and the superintendence of the 
 debarkation committed lo General Cass and Commodore Elliott. This was 
 executed in excellent oider, and as the event proved, without opposition, 
 though a severe struggle was expected at the time. From thence the army 
 went in pursuit of Proctor, and oveitook and defeated him in the decisive 
 action at the Jloravian Towns. Here Gen. Cass was present, but his proper 
 command not having arrived, he volunteered to act as aid-dc-camp to General 
 Harrison, in association with Commodore Perry. He accompanied Col. John- 
 son's regiment in its charge upon the British line. Honorable mention was 
 made by General Harrison in bis report of the services of General Cass upon 
 this occasion. 
 
 After the return of the army to Detroit, Gen. Harrison, with the larger por- 
 tion of his force left that country, to operate against the enemy upon the Nia- 
 gara border, and he left Gen. Cass in command of the north-western frontier, 
 including the western district of Upper Canada, which had been subjugated. 
 Here General Cass remained employed in the arduous duties of such an ex- 
 tensive command, and in a countjy surrounded by Indians, destitute of 
 resources, and with the whole hostile population of the western district of 
 Upper Canada to hold in submission. The destitution of the country can 
 hardly be appreciated, but it may be in some measute comprehended by the 
 fact, that even some of the troops were comjielled, at one time, to resort to the 
 precarious resource of fishing, as a means of subsistence. "While employed 
 ill this service. Gen. Cass received the unsolicited appointment of Governor 
 of the Territory of Michigan, and thus the civil organization of the country 
 and its military defence ilevolved upon him. 
 
 He continued to execute these multiplied duties, till ordered by the 
 Government to proceed to Albany, to attend the trial of General Hull, as a 
 witness, 
 
 After this duty was terminated. Gen. Cass returned to Ohio, and consider- 
 ing it improper that such extensive military and civil powers should be vested 
 in the same person, he resigned his commission in the army, but was required 
 by the Government to take charge of the defence of the Territory as Governor. 
 It is presumed there are persons now living at Detroit who may recollect that 
 in 1814, such was the defenceless state of that country, that the Indians 
 made incursions into the settlements, and within sight of the town where 
 their guns were heard. The Governtiicnt was very^ anxious to reinforce Gen. 
 Brown upon the Niagara frontier, s« that he could push his operations in 
 that quarter, and therefore desired Gen. Cass to despatch to the aid of Gen. 
 Brown, all the troops that could be spared from the defence of the country. 
 So anxious was Genera! Cass to promote the «ame object, and to comply with 
 the pressing solicita'ions of Gren. Biown, who wrote to him on the subject, that 
 he ordered almost hi? whole force down the lake, leaving, in fact, but twenty- 
 seven men for the defence of Octroi*. It is known that Gen. Brown, who 
 was 33 just to others as he was brave and able, never forgot this proof of zea?, 
 but mentioned it as a rare instance of devotion to the public good, by which 
 local interest was risked for general interest. During this state of destitution 
 
f 12 THE LIFF. AND SERTICrs OF 
 
 the hostile Indians were bold and enteqirising. Their war paiiies scoured the 
 inhabited parts of the 'J'erritory, and filled the countrj/ with dismay. Of 
 ' course the duties and the responbihilily of the oflicer charged with the super- 
 intendence of the Reneral defence were greatly increased. The whole adult 
 male population was called out, and among these skirmishes there was one 
 within healing of Detroit, when ImJians were killed and scalps taken; and 
 the nature of the service may be judged by the fact, that the servant of Gen. 
 Cass, who wrode immediately behind him, had a personal rencontre with a 
 powerful savage, vvlio was killed. After a short time, however, this state of 
 imminent danger was happily relieved, by the arrival of a mounted force from 
 Ohio, under Gen. McArthur. But peace soon came to restore quiet to this 
 harassed and exposed frontier, and the duties of peace succeeded to the cares 
 and dangers of war. A new career was opened to Gen. Cass, in the per- 
 formance of his executive functions, in organising and consolidating the 
 Government of Michigan, and adopting its institution to its new condition. 
 How well he succeeded in the discharge of the general duties which devolved 
 upon him as Governor, is satisfactorily proved by the high estimation in 
 which he has ever been held by the citizens of Alichigan; and by the fact, 
 probably without a parallel in our country, that he was seven times appointed 
 Governor of the Territory, exercising the duties of that office through a period 
 of eighteen years, without one single representation having been made 
 against him, and, it is believed, without ever having had a vote against him 
 in the Senate. When we look at the heart-burnings and contentions which 
 have marked the history of the Governments of the Territories, this absence 
 of all blame is itself the very highest praise, and indicates a rare aptitude for 
 the management of public affairs. 
 
 It is known that the Governors of Territories are ex ofEcio superintendents 
 of Indian atVaiis, and they are appointed to hold councils and make treaties 
 with the Indians when necessary. The duties of Gen. Cass, as superintend- 
 ent were arduous and responsible, from the number of Indians under his juris- 
 diction, and from the continual intercourse with the British Indian Depart- 
 ment, at Amherstburg, by which they were kept in a perpetual state of ex- 
 citement. 
 
 As Commissioner, Gen. Cass has held more councils with the Indian 
 tribes than any other officer in the service of the United Stales. We have 
 taken pains to turn over the volume of Indian treaties, published by the War 
 Department, and find that Gen. Cass has been a commissioner in the nega- 
 ciation of twenty-one treaties with the Indians, to-wit : 
 
 Two Treaties of Greenville, . - - - 1814 
 
 Miami Treaties, ----- 1817 
 
 St. Mary, .-..-. 1818 
 
 Wea, ...... 1818 
 
 ' Potawatamie, ...... 1818 
 
 Delaware, - ... - . . 1818 
 
 Miami, .-..-. 1818 
 
 Saginaw, - - - - - - 1819 
 
 Michillimachinac, ..... 1820 
 
 Chicago, ...... 1821 
 
 Sail St. Marie, 1820 
 
 Praiiic du Chien, ..... 1825 
 
 Fond du Lac, ..... 1826 
 
 * Potawatamie, ..... 1826 
 
 Miami, ...... 1826 
 
 Baite des Morts, ..... 1827 
 
 Green Bay, - - - - - - 1828 
 
 I'otawatiunies, ..... 1828 
 
 Creek Treaty of Washington, ... 1832 
 
ei;AKH.\J. i.twi-j I ASS. 13 
 
 The first of these tieaue3 was the second treaty of peace coucluJcd at Green- 
 ville. That place was the site whoie was held the great Council between the 
 North Western Indians and General ^^'aJ•^e, in 1795, which put an end to 
 the hostilities that had iicen so long and so liittcrly waged by those Indians 
 against the United States. In 1814 the same ground was again consecrated 
 to the same happy purpose, and treaties of peace was concluded, whica de- 
 tached several of the most war-like tribes from the Biitish^intcrest. At the first 
 treaty of peace, General Harrison was present as an Aid de Camp of General 
 Wayne. At the iecond,he was present as a Commissioner, Governor Shelby 
 and General Cass being associated with him. Governor Shelby, however, waa 
 unable to attend. Some of the above mentioned treaties were held for the pur- 
 pose of terminating hostilitits between the whites and the Indians, some to put 
 a stop to the wars of the Indians among themselves, and others to obtain ces- 
 sions of lands for the United Slates. As a Commissioner for making treaties 
 for the latter purpose. Gen. Cass has obtained the grant of more valuable and 
 extensive districts lying in the State of Geoigia, Alabama, Ohio, Indiana, Illi- 
 nois, Michigan, and in the Territories of Wisconsin and Iowa, than have been 
 obtained by any other person. These excursions into the Indian country, 
 and these per-onal communications with the Indians, were necessarily attend- 
 ed with great fatigue and danger. Twice upon these duties General Cass has 
 visited the extremity of Lake Superior, and once the heads of the Mississippi. 
 Frequently he has been called to the countries upon Lake Huron and Michi* 
 gan, and twice to Prarie du Chien. He has tiaversed the country north of the 
 Ohio, and east of the Mississippi, in almost all directions, and frequently under 
 dangerous circumstances. While ascending the Fox river, in one of bis jour- 
 nies in the western wilds, to ascertain the designs of the Indians who had 
 given some cause to doubt their fidelity, they suddenly broke out into open 
 hostilities, and in this crisis he found himself in a birch canoe, depending only 
 upon his own resources, and the good conduct of his crew. At one of the 
 Indian encampments on the banks of the Wisconsin, a large body of the na- 
 tives was collected as the canoe was passing down. But one reasonable chance 
 of success presented itself, and that was to land in the midst of the Indians, and 
 10 endeavor to over awe, by appearing to disregard them. The flag of the 
 United States was flying upon the canoe, which was turned to the land. Gen. 
 Cass leaped ashore, leaving the crew on board, and was received by the assem- 
 bled warriors upon the beach. 
 
 Some of them knew who he was, and communicated the fact to the others. 
 They went to the camps together, where their pipes were lighted and smoked, 
 and where Gen. Cass stated to them his confident hope that they would not 
 swerve from their duty to the United States. After some lime spent in debate, 
 he moved towards the canoe, when one of the young men took aim at him with 
 his rifle. The gun snapped, and the weapon was immediately seized by an 
 old chief, who was not prepared for such an extiemity. General Cass re- 
 gained his boat without farther diflkulty, and continued his journey down 
 the river. Arriving at Fraiie des Chiens, he found the inhabitants in alarm, 
 and the place was undefended. After puting eveiy thing in the best possible 
 condition, he descended the Mississippi, paddhng day and night till he reached 
 St. Loiiis, in order to use his influence to have a sufficient foiccfor the defence 
 of the uf)per country immediately detached upon the service. This was hap- 
 pily done witliaut delay, and peace was soon restored to the frontiers. He re- 
 turned in his canoe by the Illinois liver, to Chicago, and thence to Green Bay, 
 in as short a space of lime as that voyage was ev, r performed. 
 
 Another incident, showing the danger of these border du ies, is related by 
 Mr. Schoolcraft, in his narrative of the expedition of Gen. Cass to the heads 
 of the Mississippi. At the Sault St Mary, the outlet of Lake Superior, he hid 
 been ordered by the Government to endeavjr to procirre a ces ion of land for 
 the estifilishment of a military post. Th.i power of ihe United Slates had not 
 been established in that quarter, and the Indians were exclusively under i3rit- 
 
14 THE LIIE AT»il) SF.nviCI.S OF 
 
 ish influence. They were, however, invited to attend a council, where the 
 subject was opened to them. Their disposition was manifestly unfriendly, and 
 the American party was upon its guard. Their wliole force, however, includ- 
 ing a small military detachment which accompnnicd it, the engag«^ and boat- 
 men, did not propably exceed thirty or forty men, while that of the Indians 
 more than trippled this number. During the progress of afi'iirs, a bold, turbu- 
 lent Chipewa chief, well known for his haired to the Americans, and for his 
 attachment to theBiilish interests, hoisted the British flag in the Indian camp, 
 situated within our bourulary. This daring act, intended to push matters lo 
 extremity, could be met but m one way, and that was to liaul it down, let 
 •whatever might be the consequences. Were this not done, the honor and 
 safety of the party were gone. Gen. Cass happily took one of these bold and 
 decisive steps which, in moments of peril, are the safest. He ordered the Ame- 
 rican party under aims, and while this order was executing, ho walked across 
 to the Indian camp, and going up to the lodge of the hostile Chief, he tore 
 down the flag and put his fo4 upon it. He was attended only by his inter- 
 preter, who explained to them, by his directions, the audacity of the steps they 
 had taken and his detorminalion under any circumst-mces to prevent and pun- 
 ish such conduct. The leproof w.as received in silence, and the party jumped 
 into their canoes and paddled over to the Canadian shore. After a while, 
 however, they returned, and business was icsumed, and, ultimately, the de- 
 sired arrangement was made. 
 
 In 1831, General Cass was called to the administration of tlie War Depart- 
 ment, by Gen. .Tackson. As the period, during which he presided there is near, 
 it is not necessary to go into a review of the principles and measures he adopt- 
 ed. A few points, however, of general and permanent interest, are worthy of 
 a passing attention. Among these were two questions of vital importance to 
 the country, and involving the fundamental principles of the constitution for 
 discussion. In their progress, they cast upon the government a heavy respon- 
 sibility, and great trouble and labor, and were watched with a jealous solicitude 
 by the whole community, which was divided in opinion respecting the points 
 involved in their solution. Happily, by the wisdom and firmness of the pa- 
 triot then at the head of the government, and by the good sense of the nation, 
 they passed away, without leaving behind them any etlects injurious to our 
 institutions. These controverted subjects are the questions, which arose in 
 Georgia, respecting the relative rights of the Indians and of the State.s, within 
 whose jurisdiction they live, and that which arose in South Carolina, respect- 
 ing the power of the State Legislatures to nullify an act of Congres--. 
 
 The measures which were called for by the Indian question belonged exclu- 
 sively to the War Department, and to that department belonged also such 
 measures as the necessary application of force by the army and militia in de- 
 fence of the laws and the constitution might render necessary. How critical 
 and delicate, the practical solution of questions of this nature is rendered by 
 the mixed principles of our government, is evident to the most careless observer. 
 They are questions of constitutional right, the propositions on each side, sepa- 
 rated by a boundary, not always well defined, and liable therefore to bo con- 
 strued most favorably to the views and position of the respective partie.". It is 
 not difficult to conceive cases of such a flagrant abuse of its powers by the ge- 
 neral Government, as to call upon every man attached to the constitution 
 of his country, and who believes that the existence of the State Governments^ 
 in all their just authority, is essential to the preservation of our freedom, to in- 
 terpose with counsel and action, to preserve the balance of tlic constitution. — 
 And on the other hand, it is not diflicult to foresee cases which may happen 
 when the action of the general government, while within the clear and legiti- 
 mate exercises of its duties, may be impeded by sectional views. No man can 
 j5x a precise boundary to the mutual right of interference, and define, with prac- 
 tical exactness, where opposition is leg.il, and where it becomes" illegal, any 
 more than he can draw a precise line between day and night, between inter- 
 
Rr.N'F.UAL Ll.WIS CASS. 15 
 
 mingling colors, or between a countless number of subjects, material and im- 
 material when the lines of diflerence are intangible. All this must be settled 
 as the subjects arise for decision, and fortunately there is such a redeeming 
 power in the public opinion of our country, that it has never yet failed, and we 
 trust never will fail to bring to a happy and peaceful issue any diflerences of 
 opinion between the general and State governments of this confederation. 
 
 The Indian question daring the period of General Cass' administratiori of 
 the War Department assumed a most alarming aspect. The political difficul- 
 ties which accompanied it, were greatly increased by a decision of the Supreme 
 Court, that confirmed the Cherokees in the opinion they had formed of their 
 independence of the State authorities. Believing that the principles of this de- 
 cision were erroneous, and that theit practical application would be fraught 
 with the most dangerous consequences, a temporate review of the whole sub- 
 ject was published in the Globe of March 31,1 8.34, and filled one half of that 
 paper. As Gen. Cass was well known to the author of this examination, it 
 immediately attracted general attention, and while it was highly approved by 
 all, who took similar views of the questions, it was generally admitted to l>e 
 imexceptionable in the manner in which the investigation was puisued. It 
 was perfectly understood that previously to the publication, it was submitted 
 to Gen. Jackson and his Cabinet, and that it met their entire approbation. In- 
 deed it may be considered as an authoritative exposition of the views of the Ad- 
 ministration upon the subjects involved in the general inquiry. 
 
 This paper thus commenced: — " It must be consolotary to every American, 
 and in fact to all, wherever they may be, who regard with anxiety the pro- 
 gress and prospects of free principles through the world, that there is a sanito- 
 ry influence in our institutions, which if it cannot prevent, can heal without 
 difficulty or danger those maladies, to which all public bodies are from time to 
 time liable. In looking back upon the history of our career and prosperity, and 
 the generation has not yet disappeared which laid the foundations of both; 
 many rjuestinnes veraias, appear, each of which agitated the community in its 
 own brief day, and some of which, either from the magnitude of the interests 
 involved, or from the excitement that prevailed, threatened the most seiious 
 consequences to the stability of the government, and the prosperity of the 
 country. But by the favor of Providence one after another of these have 
 passed away, leaving our Union and institutions unscathed. The present day 
 is not without its own share of doubtful and difficult qucetions. Let us hope 
 that they will be discussed in a spirit of forbearance and arranged in a spirit 
 of mutual accommodation. Our national motto should remind us that we 
 have become one from many ; and if the blessings which this union has pro- 
 duced are to be perpetuated, we must seek in a sense of interest and safety, 
 and in a feeling of patriotism, the true power of cohesion. 
 
 "Upon the virtue and intelligence of the people we must rely in our seasons 
 of danger. They have thus far been the ark of safety. It were presumptuous 
 to doubt, that they will be most ellicacious, when they may be most wanted," 
 
 The question is thus stated, "without narrowing the controversy to a single 
 point. We understand it in general terms to be this. Has the State of 
 Georgia a right to extend her laws over the Cherokee lands, within her boun- 
 daries T The consideration of this subject will lead to the investigation of 
 those principles of intercourse, which have been established between civilized 
 and baibarous men, and to a retrospect of the practice and possessions of the 
 different nations who have planted colonies in America." 
 
 An historical and [jolitical examination of the whole subject then follows, 
 which concludes by this summary. First, that civilized communities have ai 
 right to take possesion of a country, inhabited by barbaroos tribes, to assume 
 jurisdiction over them, and to " combine within narrow limits," or, in other 
 words to appropriate to their own use such portion of the Territory, as they 
 think proper. Second, that in the exercise of this i^right, such communities 
 
16 TW: Lirt S>D SKKTilTI'.S OP 
 
 are the judges of the extent of jurisdiction to he aasum^J, and of Terntoiy 
 to be acquired." 
 
 After thia suinroaiy couies the (|Ucstion, whether this controlling authority 
 resides by the Conslituiion of the bnited Stiles in the gcneraKjovernment.or 
 in the lespcctive State ftovernments, within whose jurisdiction the Indians live. 
 It is icrnatkcd th-it in " tiie solution of this ijucstiun the Indians have no con- 
 cern. These rights, whatever they may be, whether natural or conventional, 
 are wholly independent of this inquiry. It is one which afFccis the parties to 
 our own Government, and is to be decided by the constitution which they 
 have established. And whether that portion of sovereign power which regu- 
 lates the rights and duties of the united body itself, the relatio.i which the 
 two parties bear to one another will remain uncltanged." 
 
 It may be observed in the investigation of this subject, that this attribute of 
 authority' belonged to the several Slates, and still belongs to them, unless they 
 have ceded it to the general Government. In the constitution of the latter, 
 therefore, this evidence of cession must be found, before the power itself can 
 be exercised." 
 
 The writer then proceeds to make this inquiry, and after an elaborate ex- 
 amination of the subject, concludes that the relations of the general Govern- 
 ment with the various Indian tribes, living within the boundaries of the States, 
 do not extend to prevent the legislatures from subjecting those Indians, 
 when they please, to the operation of the laws of such States. In the pre- 
 vious discussion we have confined ourselves to the question of right, avoiding 
 all those considerations, which render it expedient that the Indians should re- 
 move to the country west of the Mississippi, assigned for their permanent resi- 
 dence. No false philanthropy should mduce us to wish their continuance in 
 the positions they now occupy. The decree has gone forth ; it is irreversable, 
 that the white and the red man cannot live together. He who runs may read. 
 He may read it in the past and in the present, and he may discern it in the 
 signs of the future, without attempting to investigate the causes, moral or 
 physical, which have enacted this law of stern necessity, it is enough for our 
 present purposes to know that it exists, and to feel that its penalty is destruc- 
 tive to one of these parties ; a penalty only to be avoided by migration be- 
 yond the sphere of its influence. The longer ihis'salutary measure is delayed, 
 the greater will be the injury to them. Their state of excitement and un- 
 easiness will continue, the collisions and difficulties with their white neighbors 
 will multiply, and surrounded, as they must be, with disheartening troubles, 
 their prospects may be wrecked in this hopeless conflict. Had they not better 
 go, and speedily 1 Go to a cHmate which is salubrious, to a countiy fertile 
 and extensive, beyond their wants now and for generations to come ; and to 
 a home which promises comfort and permanence. 
 
 The first report made from the War Department, after General Gass' acc^ 
 sion to it, laid down the principles of its administration upon this subject, in 
 conformity with the views above quoted. This report is dated November 21, 
 1831, and in it the following sentiments are expressed: "That we may 
 neither deceive ourselves nor the Indian, it becomes us to examine the actual 
 state of things, and to view them as they are, and as they are likely to be. 
 Looking at the circumstances, attending this claim of exemption on the one 
 side, and of supremacy on the other, is it probable thit the Indians can succeed 
 in the establishment of their pretensions 1 The nature of the question, doubt- 
 ful to say the least of it; the opinion of the Executive; the practice of older 
 States, and the claims of younger ones; the difficulties which must attend the 
 introduction into our system of a third government, complicated in its relations, 
 and indelrnite in its principles; public eentinient naturally opposed to any 
 reduction of territorial extent or of political power, and the obvious difficulties 
 insuperable from the consideration of such a great political question with 
 icgard to the tribunal and the trial, the judgment and the powers, present 
 obstacles which must be overcome before this claim can be enforced." The 
 
6ENKBAI- LKWJS CASS. 17 
 
 whole countiy knows llie result of the controversy. By the firmness and 
 moderation of the Government, its at first alarming Ibaturcs gradually tlisap- 
 peared. Measures were taken for the removal of the Indians, and for their 
 comfortable establishment in the West, in a far happier position ; and the 
 State of Georgia found its rights vindicated, and its legislative authoiity ex- 
 tended over all persons, of whatever color or condition, residing within ita 
 chartered boundaries. State Rights and Federal Rights were happily brought 
 into unison, and the satisfaction of the Legialature of Georgia at the conduct 
 of the War Department, acting under the orders of the President, in this 
 delicate matter, is evinced by the high compliment paid to the Secretary, in 
 giving his name to a county. 
 
 Far more portentous in its aspect at one period, was the South Carolina 
 controversy. Itsoiigin, progress and termination, as well as the principles in- 
 volved in it, arc now matters of history, to be studied for good or for evil, as a 
 mutual spirit of forbearance may hereafter animate tlie confedeiated Govern- 
 ment and its component parts. Every true American will prav that such an 
 issue may never again be presented to his country to try. 
 
 The view which General Jackson took of the constitulioual rights of the 
 parties, and of his own duties, is well known to the whole Union, and is too 
 fresh in the recollection of all to need any recapitulation here, it is under- 
 stood that he had the unanimous support of his cabinet in the trying circum- 
 stances in which he was placed. His celebrated [iroclamation contained the 
 avowal of his sentiments. With his habitual frankness, he laid before the 
 people in that paper what he thought to be the principles involved in the 
 controversy, and what he thought he ought to do. It was hastily prepared, 
 for the circumstances were alarming, and events were pushing on to their 
 consummation. Some of its views were misconstrued, and it was represented 
 to contain sentiments destructive of .State Rights. But such was not the case» 
 General Jackson was as sincerely attached to the just rights of the States as 
 any man in the country, and looked to their constitutional action as one of 
 the great safeguaids of public liberty. The proclamation was much criticised, 
 but when the proper explanations through the press was given, it met with 
 as general approval as almost any State paper which ever emanated from our 
 Government. 
 
 During the crisis of this affair the administration had two great duties to 
 { crform. One was to support the constitutional rights of the General Govern- 
 n cut at all hazards ; and the other, so to shape its measures, as to bring the 
 nf^air to a fortunate issue, without the actual collision of the parties. While, 
 t! crefore, the Departments, acting under the orders of (Jeneral Jackson, were 
 l!rm in their pieparation, and in their resolution to sacrifice nothing which 
 I rght to be maintained, they were, at the same timf, moderate and conciliatory 
 hi their tone, and urging upon their subordinate oiliccrs the necessity of their 
 utmost discretion. It is not believed tliat any objection was ever made to the 
 mode in which these duties were peiforriu;<l. It was rumored ::t one lime, 
 that ordeis had been given to resist the constituted authorities of South Caro- 
 lina, and, in order to asceitain the true stale of the facts, a call was made by 
 the Senate upon the President for copies of the military orders which had been 
 issued. In complying with this call, and with a specific bianch of it, the 
 President replied, that "no oider has at anytime been given to jcsist the 
 constituted authotities of the State of South Carolina witliin the chartered 
 limits of said State." 
 
 The copies of the military orders disclose at once the pruilencc and modera- 
 tion of the (Jovernmcnt. The confidential instructions to General Scott were 
 submitted to Congress, and, as they were never assailed, it is to be presunieil 
 they met with general approbation. Certainly it will not he contended that 
 there was the slightest attempt to interfere with the legal rights, or with the 
 dignity of the State of South Carolina, and thereby lo bring odium upon the 
 State Governments. 
 
18 TUn LIFE AXD SKIIVICES 01 
 
 
 Wc shall submit some shoit extracts from the documents, by wliich tli( 
 cautious forbearance of the Depailment of War may hri judged. 
 
 f Coiifidential.J 
 
 Wvsui>-GTOx, November 18, 1832. 
 
 Sir — The stale of afluirs in South Carolina has occasioned much solicitudi 
 to the President. Ho induls^es the hop? that the intelligence and patriolisn 
 of the citizens will prevent any infraction of the constitution and laws of thr 
 General (iovernment. But while he anxiously looks for this result, he deems 
 it possible, from the information he has received, that, in the first eflervescenci 
 of feeling, some rash attempt may be made by individuals to take possessMi 
 of the forts and harbor of Charleston. The possiliility of such a mcasurt 
 furnishes a sufficient reason for guarding against it, and the President is 
 therefore anxious that the situation and means of defence of these fortilicationf 
 should be inspected by an officer of experience, who could also estimate and 
 provide for any dangers to which they may be exposed. &c. 
 
 Yo :r duty will be one of great importance, and of great delicacy. You 
 will consult fully and freely with the collector of the port of Charleston, and 
 with the District Attorney of .South Carolina ; and you will take no step, 
 except what relates to the immediate defence and security of the posts, with- 
 out their advice and concurrence. The execution of the laws will be en- 
 forced through the civil authority, and by the mode pointed out by the acts 
 of Congress. iShould, unfortunately, a crisis arise, when the ordinary power. 
 in the hands of the civil officers shall not be sufficient for this purpose, the Pre- 
 sident will determine the course to be taken, and the measures to be adopted. 
 Till, therefore, you are otherwise instructed, you will act in obedience to the 
 legal requisitions of the proper civil officers of the United States. 
 
 (Signed) LEWIS CA8S. 
 
 Major General Scott. 
 
 CCojiJidential.J 
 
 Dei'ahtxf.nt of Wau, ^ 
 
 Washingtd.v, December [3, 18G~. S 
 
 Sin, — Your letter of the 27th ult., has been received and laid before the 
 President. He is pleased at the discretion and judgment manifested by you. 
 
 The course of the government will be regulated by the principles stated, in 
 the personal interview I had with you. I cannot but hope the good sense 
 and patriotism of the citizens of .South CJarolina, will still prevent the occur- 
 rence of those consequences which must result from the attempt to enforce 
 the ordinance recently passed by the convention of that state. In any event, 
 the President will perform his duty, and only his duty, under the constitution 
 and laws of the United fStates. 
 
 (Signed) LEWIS CASS. 
 
 Major General Scott. 
 
 (" ConJidcn/ial.J 
 
 1 
 
 Dki'VIitmext (.v War,^ 
 January 20, 1832. S 
 
 (Extracts.) 
 
 "All your despatches have been communicated to the President, and 
 your general views and proceedings have been approved by him. The three 
 orders, to which you especially refer, I shall briefly advert to. 
 
 It is the most earnest wish of the President, that the present unh.appy diffi- 
 culties in South Carolina, shoulil be terminated without any forcible collision, 
 and it is his determination, if such collision does occur, it shall not be justly 
 imputable to the United Stales. He is, therefore, desirous th.-it, in all your 
 proceedings, while you execute your duty firmly, you act with as much dis- 
 
f;i;M;HAi, Lr.wis cass. 19 
 
 cietion and modcialion as possible, and this course he has never doJibted you 
 will adopt. 
 
 Self-defence if» a light as much belonging to military bodies as to individu- 
 als; and officers commanding separate posts are responsible, at all times, for 
 their defence, and are bound to use due precaution to avoid danger. If a 
 jbody of men approach Sullivan's Island, with apparently hostile views, it vvill 
 ihe proper to pursue the course indicated hy you to Colonel Bankhead, that is, 
 I to warn their commanding olliccr to retire, and to inform him of the course 
 which you will be compelled to adopt, in the event of his continued approach, 
 I Should this warning be inefVectual, and the armed body attempt to land, you 
 iwill be justified in resisting such attempt. But, before this unfortunate alter- 
 native is resorted to. I rely upon your patriotism and discretion to endeavor, 
 by all reasonable and peaceable means, to induce any such armed body to 
 abandon their enlcrprize. The subject is committed to you, in the full con- 
 viction, that while you discharge your duly as an officer, you will be mindful 
 of the great delicr.cy of the subject, and of the anxiety of the President to 
 avoid, if possible, a resort to force. But whatever the just rights of self- 
 defence require, must be done, should a case occur involving such a ques- 
 tion. 
 
 (Signed) LEWIS CASS. 
 
 Major General Siott. 
 
 It is easy to deduce from these documents, the principles of action of the 
 Administration. 
 
 Jst. An unshaken determinatioit to enforce the constitution and liws of the 
 United Slates. 
 
 2d. An earnest anxiety to avoid a collision. 
 
 3d. An injunction upon the military officers to act solely upon the de- 
 fensive. 
 
 4lh. Proper directions to them to use all means of conciliation. 
 
 5th. An annunciation that the measures to be adopted, should the contro- 
 versy be pushed to a collision, would be determined by the President upon a 
 view of the whole circumstances, and that, till his orders were communicated, 
 the military power was to act solely upon the defensive. 
 
 It is difficult to conceive how more moderation could have been used, or 
 more respect displayed towards the author ilies of South Carolina, than were 
 shown in this correspondence. The most zealous asserter of Slate rights 
 could ask no more. Happily the threatening storm passed away, and left us 
 a united people. 
 
 There was another subject during General Cass' administration of the War 
 Department, which threatened, at one time, to bring the general Government 
 into collision with the authorities of the State of Alabama. But the same 
 nioderalion and firmness in the head of the Government, produceil the same 
 favorable result as in the preceding cases. A treaty had been made with the 
 Creek Indians, which guaranteed to them that intruders should be kept from 
 the ceded territory till the Indians could remove from it. Emigrants, however, 
 pushed in and covered the country. T'nder the act of Congress, of March 3d, 
 1S09, and in conformity with the p.ovisions of the treaty, it became necessary 
 to remove them, and orders to that efiect were given. Against this course. 
 Governor Gazlc, the Governor of .Mabama, remonstrated. We shall extract 
 a few passages from the answer of the Secretary of War, dated October 22d, 
 1833, and taken fiom the Congressional documents. 
 
 " The right of the State of Alabama to extend its jurisdiction over the dis- 
 trict in question, is fully admitted. The President does not claim, on behalf 
 of the United States, any right of jurisdiction, except such as is every where 
 vested by the Constitution in the general Government. The ownership of 
 the land, and the authority to legislate over it, for the ordirjury purposes of 
 
540 THE LIFJE AMI SLUVlCtS 01' 
 
 life, embrace powers entirely distinct in themselves, and which, in this case, 
 must be exerci.sed by dillcrent tiibiinals. The United States constitute a great 
 landholder, po.sKesbing, under the Constitution, the right to " make all needful 
 rules and legulutions concerning their territory and other property." They 
 have made a regulation by which intruders upon their lands shall be removed, 
 under the orders of the PrcsiJent, by a military force. Jn doing this, they do 
 no more than an ordinary individual, who lupuls the forcible inliuder, who 
 comes to take jjossession of his house and land. Such an individual, by the 
 act of expulsion, exercises an authority acknowledged to be in him. 
 
 " But he exercises no act of jurisdiction He performs none of those func- 
 tions of supreme authority, included in the very term itself, and essential to 
 the preiogutive of dictating what the law shall be. In like manner, the United 
 States, while removing the settler beyond the boundary of their possessions, 
 assume no other control over him, and leave him to ijic oidinary operation of 
 the State laws. 
 
 •' It cannot be denied, but that the removal of the settlers from the ceded 
 territory, will be attended with much inconvenience, and I sincerely wish the 
 necessity of the measure could be obviated. And so far as this can be done, 
 by a vigorous pro.^ccution of the busimss of location, m.' means in the power 
 of the department will be spared to effect it; and its execution will leave the 
 settleis in the same condition as all other persons are placed, who occupy the 
 public land?, where tlicrc are no treaty stipulations requiring theii eviction. 
 
 " But, while 1 acknowledge and lament this inconvenience, I cannot admit 
 that the arguments derived from it can outweigh the positive requisi'.ions of a 
 solemn covenant, under which the I'nitcd States acquired, and by virtue of 
 which they hold the district in question, and which formed one of the princi- 
 pal inducements operating upon the Indians, to make the cession. 
 
 " Your Excellency deprecates the employment of a military force in the re- 
 moval of intruders, and you demand that the government should " put away 
 the sword, which has been unnecessarily and too l^astily drawn against this 
 large and unoffending community.' It is, as you remark, the appropriate ar- 
 biter in contests of ambition, but not in questions of constitutional right. Cer- 
 tainly questions of tight, whether constitutional or otherwise, ought never to 
 de decided by the sword ; and the spirit of our countrymen, as well as the ge- 
 nius of our institution?, is opposed to its employment in all cases within the 
 ordinary operation of the laws; and the military force now in Alabama has no 
 instructions to interfere with the authority of the Slate. The following ex- 
 tract of a letter to the Marshal of Alabama, in answer to an application from 
 him, will show how cautious the government have Ikjcu upon the subject. 
 
 " ' I have received your letter ol the '.id instant, and, in answer, have to in- 
 form you that you will submit to any Icg-il process which may be issued 
 against ycu. "\'our duly consists in removing fiorn the ceded territory the in- 
 truders who have token possessiun of it in violation of the law and the stipu- 
 lations of the Cieek Treaty of 18'.J2. In executing this duty, you will em- 
 ploy all the neccs-ary lae.ins iJaced al your di>posal by the particular instruc- 
 tions of the government, ur by the general provisions of the acts of Congress. 
 Though the President cannot but hope, that, on a full view of the obligations 
 of the United States, and the entire want of title on the part of the persons 
 living irr this district of country, they will peaceably remove wiihiii the period 
 limited by you. If suits arc instituted against you in any of the State Courts 
 for your jiroceedings iir this iiiilter, submit to the process without hesitation. 
 Interpose not the slightest obstacle to its ser .-ice.' " 
 
 " The United .Stairs claim rro special jirrisdictioti over the inhabitants of 
 the ceded territory. 'J'hey only claim the right to remove them from the pub- 
 lic land they occupy. The District Attorney will be instructed to remove to 
 the Courts of the Unit>d States, whenever it can l)e legally done, all suits in- 
 stituted against you on thi-; account, and there to conduct your defence ; or, if 
 necessary, you will remove them vourself. He will be likewise instructed to 
 
Uh>KKA.l. 1.1. WIS CASS. 21 
 
 defend you in the Stale (Jourls in ihosr suits, if any there niay be, which can- 
 not be removed into the Courts of the I'nitcd States.' '' 
 
 " Force must often be employed in the execution of any law, and it must 
 be ready to be employed in all laws, if their obligations arc to be respected. — 
 There are two cases in which the National Legislature have authorised its 
 use in enforcing thei* acts. These are, by virtue of the act of March 30, 1802, 
 where instructions are made upon Indian lands not within the ordinary juris- 
 dirtion of any State ; and by virtue of the act of March i)t\, 1807, where in- 
 strusions are made upon the public lands. It does not become me to say 
 whether Congress have been right or wrong in making these provisions. It 
 is enough for the justificalion of the Executive, that they are found upon the 
 statute books, and that their general obligation is not disputed. The authority 
 which enacted, can alone repeal them." 
 
 (Signed) LEWIS CASS. 
 
 Exlracl of a Letter to Major M'lritwk. 
 
 DEPAiiT>rENT OP War, ^ 
 Octolier 29, 1833 3 
 
 Sir : — Your letter of the 21 si instant, to General Macomb, has been laid 
 before me, and, in answer, I have to inform you that you will interpose no ob- 
 Btacle to the service of legal process upon any officer or soldier urder your 
 command, whether issuing from the Courts of the State of Alabama, or of 
 the United S;ates. On the contraiy, you will give al! necessary facilities to 
 the execution of such process. 
 
 It is not the intention of the President that any part of the military force of 
 the United St^ites should be brought into collision with the civil authority. In 
 all questions of jurisdiction, it is the duty of the former to submit to the latter, 
 and no considerations must interfere with that duty. If therefore, an officer of 
 the State, or of the United States, come with legal process against yourself^ or 
 any oflRcer or soldier of your garrison, you will freely admit him within yeur 
 poets, and allow him to execute his writ undistuibed. 
 
 (Signed) LEWIS CASS. 
 
 Extract of a Letter in F. B. Key, Esq. 
 
 DePAR; STENT OF War, 
 
 October 31, 1833. 
 
 " Let all legal process, whether from the Courts of the Unifed States, or 
 from those of the State of Alabama, be submitted to without resistance, and 
 without hesitation. The supr^-macy of the civil, over the military, authoiity is 
 one of the great features of our institutions, and one of the bulwarks of the 
 Constitution." (Signed) LEWIS CASS, 
 
 These extracts will convey an idea of the alarming tendency of the contro- 
 ' versy, as well as the policy and principles of the Department of War. Wise 
 and moderate counsels prevailed. The Indians left the country as soon as the 
 Becessary preparations were made, and, in the meantime, their just rights wf-re 
 protected, and all collision avoided. A jealous regard was shown for ihc ho- 
 nor of the State of Alabama, and her Constitution and laws were respected and 
 obeyed. 
 
 In 1836, General Cass quit the department of war. It is well known that 
 he enjoyed the full confidence of General Jackson, who was anxious ha 
 shouKl retain Iiis peat in the cabinet, till the expiration of the administration. 
 But his health having been broken down by his official Inhors, he could not 
 remain, and he retired, with the decisive proofs of the good feeling and satis- 
 faction of the President. One was a warm letter', thanking him for his set- 
 
22 THi; LlfJi AXD btUVICKS 01' 
 
 vices, and expressive of the kindest sentiments towards him personally, and 
 the other was the mission to France, to which he was appointed. During his 
 residence at Paris, arose the question of the quintuple treaty, one of the most 
 portenluous subjects whicli has ever threatened our honor or interest. Eng- 
 land, from professed philanthropic, but from really interested motives, was 
 seeking to establish a new principle of niaratime police, by which she could 
 search the vessels of all nations traversing the occ.in. By persevering eftbrts, 
 she had obtained separate treaties with various poweis of Europe, some great 
 and some small, for nothing is too high or too low for human ambition, by 
 which the right of scarce waj granteJ. She then said, through her secreta- 
 ries, Lord I'almeiston and Lord Aberdeen, that as she could not execute these 
 treaties without searching the vessels of all nations, to ascertain to which they 
 belonged, she should assume that right, and stop and board the vessels of the 
 United States wherever they might be found. And to give more moral weight 
 to her pretensions, she projected another treaty wiih the fout great powers of 
 Euiope, embracing in it the right of search, and intended to make it the law 
 of the ocean. The treaty was signed before public attention was much turned 
 to it, but fortunately it was not ratified, and it was of vital importance to the 
 United >States, and all other powers interested in the freedom of the seas, that 
 it shou.d not be ratilied by France It was, of course, well known, that from 
 the nature of their governments, the ratifications of Russia, of Austria, and of 
 Prussia would not be withheld. But France being a constitutional monarchy, 
 and public opinion operating powerfully there upon the administration, it was 
 hoped the nation might be induced to act upon it, through the Chamber of 
 Deputies. And it was obvious, trom the state of the- maritime world, that if 
 France could be withdrawn from this confederacy^, no new principle of pub- 
 lic law could be created, to which she and the United States should enforce 
 their sanction. A quintuple treaty would be dangerous, but a quadruple 
 treaty would be without the least efi'cct or influence. To produce, therefore, 
 this result, was an object of the highest importance, and the American minis- 
 ter at Palis, finding himself without instructions from his government, had to 
 depend upon his own resources, and to act upon his own responsibility. His 
 operations were two-fold. First, to operate upon public sentiment, and then 
 directly upon the government. His pamphlet upon the right of search was 
 the measure he adopted to eflect the first object, and his formal protest against 
 the^ French ratification of the treaty, the second. The pamphlet was pub- 
 lished in English, in French, and in German, and was distributed throughout 
 Europe. Its eflect is well known, and we need not dwell upon it here. The 
 appeal, by protest, to the French Government, was successful. That paper 
 has been published, and our readers have, no doubt, perused it. We shall 
 not quote it, but briefly advert to its general spirit. It is a document truly 
 American. The rights of our country are upheld with a proper resolution. 
 "While it is sufficiently respectful, it plainly warns the French Government 
 of the position it will occupy if it sign the treatJ^ It remarks up'n the moral 
 eflect which the treaty is intended to produce upon the United States, and 
 observes, that it is not to be presumed that the five powers meditate a direct 
 attack upon their independence. " But," it continues, "were it otherwise, — 
 and were it possible they (the United States) might be deceived in ihis con- 
 fident expectation, that would not alter in one tittle, their course of action. 
 Their duty would be the same, and the same would be their determination to 
 fulfil it. They would prepare themselves with apprehension indeed, but 
 without dismay — with regret, but with firmness, for one of those desperate 
 struggles which have sometimes occurred in the history of the world, but 
 where a just cause and the favor of Providence have gained strength to com- 
 parative weakness, and have enabled it to break down the pride of power." 
 It is further remarked that the construction which England assumed to put 
 upon her duties, arising out of the slave trade treaties, to wit : to search the 
 ships of all powers, is the subject which gives uneasiness to the United 
 
GENERAL LEWIS CASS. 23 
 
 States, and that of France sees her own duties in the same light, she, too, 
 must pursue the same course, and in that event, it is significantly added, that 
 '• the United States will do to her as they will do to England, if she persist in 
 this attack upon her independence." 
 
 We quote the concludiitg pait of this papei, to show the responsibility and 
 determination of the American minister. 
 
 " It is proper for me to add, that this communication has been made without 
 any instructions from the United States. I have considered this case as one 
 in which an American representative to a foreign power should act without 
 awaiting the orders of his Government. I have presumed, in the views I have 
 submitted to you, that I express the feelings of the American Government and 
 people. If in this I have deceived myself, the responsibility will be mine. As 
 soon as I can receive despatches from the United States in answer to my com- 
 munications, I shall be enabled to announce to you, either that my conduct 
 has been approved b}' the President, or that my mission is terminated." 
 
 The issue of this matter is before the world. France refused her ratifica- 
 tion, and the quintuple treaty heeamc a dead letter. England experienced 
 the first great check which she had met with in her foreign policy for a 
 quarter of a century ; her subtle scheme to change the maritime code of na- 
 tions to her own profit was stopped, an immediate war with her was probably 
 averted, and if not, a series of aggravations was checked, which eventually 
 would have led to a war, and the just influence of the United States was felt 
 and acknowledged. 
 
 The overbearing arrogance of the English nation was never more stiikingly 
 exemplified than in the virulent abuse which their journals poured out upon 
 the American minister upon this occasion. They seemed to consider his con- 
 duct as a personal matter, which gave every Englishman aright to abuse him. 
 And this right was not sparingly exercised. We shall cull from the Wash- 
 ington Globe, where they were transferred for contempt and pieservation, a 
 few of these choice flowers of rhetoric. 
 
 The Times says, — " His (Gen. Cass') protest is not less remarkable as a 
 violation of all the customs of diplomatic intercourse, than for the bad reason- 
 ing and false assertions with which it abounds." " It is as indecorous in its 
 tone, as it is inconclusive in its argument." 
 
 The Herald says, — " Rumors are afloat in well informed circles, that the 
 French cabinet has at length received proof, that General Cass, the American 
 minister in Paris, in protesting against the ratification of the slave trade treaty 
 was only an instrument in the hands of M. Thiers, and of the opposition." 
 
 The London Examiner says, — " General Cass may be useful in Paris as a 
 pamphleteer, but as a diplomatic agent his occupation is gone. And the 
 sooner he takes himself ofl^", the better for the influence of his Government in 
 Palis ! !" — ytrij kind and disinterested advice, 
 
 "They (the American people) have no sympathies with that mode of 
 quarrelsome misreptesentation, of which General Cass afibrded a sorwewhat 
 clever and a very clumsy exemplification." — Times. 
 
 While our Minister was assailed abroad, there was not found wanting as- 
 sailants in the public journals at home, to impugn his whole course in this 
 matter. Among the most prominent of these, were the National Intelligencer, 
 and the New York American. It is worth while, as a subject of history, to 
 record the fact. Their objections seemed to be, that the proceedirg was inde- 
 corous to the French ; that it was an unjustifiable interference, because not di- 
 rected by our own government, and that it was a violation of that established 
 maxim of our foreign policy, which warns us from mixing ourselves in Eu- 
 ropean combinations. 
 
 As to the first objection, it is now well known that those who took this side 
 of the matter were more jealous of French honor, than the French govern- 
 ment itseltj for, it is believed, that it never intimated the slightest dissatisfao- 
 
34 i.he AM) si:uv;cF.s op okmhal lewis cass. 
 
 tion at the inlerfercnce of ihe American Minister, but that its answer was al- 
 together courteous and conciliatory. 
 
 And, with regard to the second — here again is a too sensitive jealousy for 
 American honor, outrunning the governmpnt its natural depository ; for the 
 President in his last annual message has not only deelarcd his approbation of 
 the whole proceeding, but has farther declared that the view of the right of 
 search taken in his ineEsjge of 1841, was a sufficient authority to Gen. Cass 
 for interference. 
 
 But the strangcpt objection of all was that it was an improper meddling 
 with European policy. It would appear that nothing but the violence of party 
 could put this construction upon an act so truly American and defensive. So 
 far from being an attempt to interfere with European combinations, it was an 
 attempt to prevent European combinations from interfering with us. Our 
 Minister's application was founded upon the true let alone policy. He wished 
 to detach an old friend from an alliance, or rather to prevent her from form- 
 ing an alliance which threatened the greatest danger to our honor and inter- 
 est. We suppose no man, not fit to occupy a mad house, will contend, that 
 the warning of our Patriarchs against " entangling alliances," is intended to 
 warn us against the use of proper measures to prevent such " alliances" from 
 being formed with intentions hostile to us. A government at home, which 
 would not adopt such measures, or a Minister abroad who woald not faithful- 
 ly give eifect to them, would as surely as justly encounter the public indigna- 
 tion. But we shall not pursue tlis matter farther. Public opinion has passed 
 upon the conduct of the Minister, and a British citizen will never violate the 
 sanctuary of an American vessel without exciting the indignation of the Ame- 
 rioMi people. 
 
 TKV BV». 
 
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