The Massachusetts Spy, And Worcester County Advertiser

Crystal Jackson
Dear Sir,
Having made up my mind to go out,
My reasons—or motives—will please you, no doubt;
For the topic is raised, a disturbing one too,
What person the people will choose, after you.
Now the public has shown so much favor to me,
That I cannot consent from such honors to flee;
So the office you gave me I lay on the shelf,
And for higher distinctions disfranchise myself.
A man with my hopes can afford to resign,
But I wish—and you too—that this action of mine
Would be followed by others—you know who I mean—
That now stand our wishes and objects between.
Though no one can doubt that my conduct is right,
Yet I fain would present it in popular light;
As I stand a plain man in the face of the nation,
For none can charge me, sir, with mystification.
Allow me to put it in one other view,
Too plain to be misapprehended by you—
As you stand on your post for another election,
'Tis better for you that I cut the connection.
There is no other mode to get Ingham away,
And Branch is a d--l of a fellow to stay;
And as both their nests are so warm and secure in,
I will leave my own first,
Your friend,
Martin Van Buren.
P. S. As my note was not meant to be plain,
(For I always leave something behind to explain,)
Yet, as I understand it, if any man can, sir,
I have taken the trouble to write you the answer.

THE ANSWER.
Dear SIR,
As the reasons you state are so strong,
It is not in my conscience to hesitate long;
And I willingly follow your friendly direction.
From the bearing you say it has on my election.
I believe you have done very well to resign;
Your opinion in this is exactly as mine;
For I think it a question involved in some doubt,
If the people at last will not turn us both out.
Yet to them as we look for the best consolation,
We must call them a just and intelligent nation;
Yet if I had the power I would flourish their backs on,
Or, my name is not, sir,
ANDREW JACKSON.