Hillsdale Whig Standard

Our readers were informed some time ago that a distinguished financier and politician of this city, had departed on a trip to the scene of his old political exploits, with the intention of taking Detroit in his way, and dropping in upon his old friend, Gen. Cass.

A friend has written us a letter, giving a detailed and deeply interesting account of the meeting of these distinguished gentlemen, of their conversation and views on political affairs, which we know will possess some interest to the quidnuncs of our city.

Immediately on his arrival at Detroit, our financier, having dressed up in that fine new suit of black and white, which he has been in the habit of wearing on all great occasions for the last thirty years, eagerly inquired for the number of Gen. Cass' residence. This being obtained, the indefatigable old gentleman seized his broad brimmed hat and blue cotton umbrella, and proceeded at a rapid pace towards the residence of the distinguished candidate for the Presidency. Arrived safely at the elegant mansion of the great Democrat, our fellow-citizen accepted without any embarrassment, the invitation of a polite porter, and was soon quietly seated on the soft cushions of Gen. Cass' Parisian parlor chairs.

'Mr. B—.' exclaimed the general, 'my old friend, how do you do? how do you do? I am so glad to see you;' and seizing Mr. B.'s right hand with both of his, the distinguished gentleman shook it very warmly, and seemed to be unable to restrain his joy on the occasion. Mr. B. met the general's advances with the warmth of old friendship, somewhat moderated by that hauteur and self importance which belong to the position and demeanor of a constituent in his relation with a candidate for high office.

After the interchange of courtesies, and of many old recollections, our financier with an eye of business, proceeded to relate to Gen. Cass, the full history of his independent Taylor operation in New Orleans—how he and Mr. R—K— had organized a strong party, on a platform of amazing width and prodigious strength—how, by a concerted effort, the radicals of both parties had vainly attempted to overthrow this platform, but, as the old gentleman added with a sly chuckle, 'they couldn't come it.' And here the great financier paused, looking all the time very steadily into the eyes of the general, who broke the long silence by remarking thoughtfully, that he had seen in the papers, the account of the movement referred to by his old friend.

'Ah! then you read the Delta!'

'I don't read anything else,' remarked the gallant and discriminating General.

'Well,' slowly and cautiously proceeded the Napoleon of Camp street, 'it must be evident to a gentleman of your penetrating mind, General, that this movement of mine, to which I beg you to understand I was pledged before you were nominated, renders your continuance as a candidate an act of suicidal imprudence. The suggestion, therefore, which I desire to make, is, that you write a handsome letter declining in favor of Old Zack, and I can promise you my warm support for the succession; and, in the meantime, if you desire one, a foreign embassy will be at your disposal.'

This proposition was made with all the sang froid with which the venerable gentleman would make an offer to cash a bill or discount a note.

But how shall we describe the change which took place in the countenance and manner of the great candidate of a great party, as he listened to this extraordinary and unexpected proposition. That pleasant smile, that uniform urbanity and amiable suavity which characterize Gen. C. glided rapidly from his face and manner, and merged into an expression of indignant astonishment, contemptuous surprise and haughty defiance, such as may be supposed to have darkened his countenance when he detected and exposed the intrigues of the Quintuple Alliance.

At last the General's feelings found vent in words, and he exclaimed, 'Well, Mr. B—, I must say that your residence in New Orleans has not improved your political sagacity, if it has your self-reliance. I am sorry I shall have to decline your kind offer, and bid you good morning, sir.'

In a short time after this interview, the Napoleon of Camp street was seen hurrying towards the wharf, where he arrived just in time to take the steamer for New York.—Shortly after his safe arrival on the scene of his early triumphs and struggles, (which has been duly noted by the papers) it is said that he was closeted with his old friend, B. F. Butler, engaged in a deep negotiation and discussion relative to the position and prospects of the Barnburners.