Phenix Gazette

We have been requested, and willingly give place to the following extracts from Gen. Jackson's letters to Mr. Monroe; which letters, our readers will recollect, were published in extenso in the public papers pending the Presidential election of 1824.

Intelligent and impartial men cannot fail of being struck with the vast difference which exists between the theory and the practice of Gen. Jackson. He advises Mr. Monroe to exterminate the monster "Party"—to make selections, indiscriminately, from both parties, &c.; and yet when the voice of the nation has elevated him to a station where these sentiments can so conveniently be practised and carried into operation, we find him directly flying in the face of his own recorded opinions. Consistency is a jewel in the character of a statesman or politician, which, we are sorry to think, is not visible in that of the President.

Extract of a letter from General Jackson to Mr. Monroe, dated October 23, 1816.

"Having learnt that Mr. Crawford is about to retire from the Department of War, I am induced, as a friend to you and the Government, to bring to your notice, as a fit character to fill that office, Col. Wm. H. Drayton, late of the Army of the United States.

"I am not personally acquainted with Col. D.; but believing it of the utmost importance that the office of Secretary of War should be well filled, I have, for some time, been making inquiries on the subject. From information that I can rely on, the result is, that he is a man of nice principles of honor and honesty, of military experience and pride, and possessing handsome talents as a lawyer and statesman.

"I am told that, before the war, he was ranked with Federalists; but the moment his country was threatened, he abandoned private ease and a lucrative profession for the tented field. Such acts as these speak louder than words. The tree is best known by its fruits; and such a man as this, no matter what he is called, will always act like a true American.

ANDREW JACKSON"

Extract of a letter from General Jackson to Mr. Monroe, dated November 12th, 1816.

"Being deeply impressed with the importance of another subject, which relates to yourself as well as the Government, I hope I may be permitted, once more, to obtrude my opinions.

In filling the vacancy occasioned by the transfer of Mr. Crawford from the War Office to the Treasury, it is of the highest moment that some proper and fit person should be selected.

"Your happiness and the nation's welfare materially depend upon the selections which are to be made for the different Departments. I need not tell you that frauds exist, and have existed to an injurious degree, in the Northern Army. To fill the Department of War with a character who has taken part in those feuds, or whose feelings have been enlisted on the side of party, will be adding fuel to a flame which, for the good of the service, already burns too fiercely. This, and other considerations, induced me to enter on the inquiry for a character best calculated to fill that Department; and it has resulted in the selection of Col. William H. Drayton.

"Pardon me, my dear sir, for the following remarks concerning the next Presidential term: they are made with the sincerity and freedom of a friend: I cannot doubt they will be received with feelings similar to those which have impelled me to make them. Every thing depends on the selection of your Ministry. In every selection, party and party feelings should be avoided. Now is the time to exterminate the monster called party spirit. By selecting characters most conspicuous for their probity, virtue, capacity, and firmness, without any regard to party, you will go far to eradicate those feelings which, on former occasions, threw so many obstacles in the way of Government, and perhaps have the pleasure and honor of uniting a People heretofore politically divided. The Chief Magistrate of a great and powerful Nation should never indulge in party feelings. His conduct should be liberal and disinterested, always bearing in mind that he acts for the whole, and not a part, of the community. By this course, you will exalt the national character, and acquire for yourself a name as imperishable as monumental marble.

66
ANDREW JACKSON."

Extract of a letter from General Jackson to Mr. Monroe, dated January 6th, 1817.

"I am of opinion, that there are men called 'Federalists,' that are honest, virtuous, and really attached to our Government; and although they differ in many respects and opinions from the Republicans, still they will risk every thing in its defence. It is, therefore, a favorite adage with me, 'that the tree is known by its fruit.' Experience in the late war taught me to know that it is not those who cry patriotism loudest, who are the greatest friends to their country, or will risk most in its defence. The Senate of Rome had a Sempronius—Aimer—as hers. When, therefore, I see a character who, meeting every privation and danger for a love of country, and the security of independent rights, I care not by what name he is called, I believe him to be a true American, worthy the confidence of his country, and of every good man. Such a character will never do an act injurious to his country; and such is the character given me of Col. Drayton. Permit me to add, that names are but bubbles, and sometimes used for the most wicked purposes.

"ANDREW JACKSON."