Series 7 (4 March 1833-3 March 1837)
I have now briefly reviewed your political career, from 1812 to 1820 inclusive. During this period you was a member of the state Senate. It will be observed, that reference has only been made to the most prominent of your acts. Your petty and local intrigues have been passed by unheeded. They evince, however, a heartless insincerity, under the effect of which many of your adherents have lamented... Continue Reading
Recipient: MVB
In your letter dated in the autumn of 1819, you say-“The Missouri question conceals, so far as he (Mr. King) is concerned, no plot, and we shall give it a true direction.” This expression, until otherwise shown, must be construed to mean, that Mr King, if returned to the United States Senate, would adhere to that policy of which he had avowed himself the advocate during the preceding session of... Continue Reading
Recipient: MVB
Before I proceed to further details on the subject of your supporting Mr. King as the acknowledged leader of the opposition on the Missouri question, it may not be improper to notice the miserable subterfuge to which some of your friends (through your advice) may attempt to resort. It has been remarked, in the course of these letters, that on all great national measures, your policy, as far as... Continue Reading
Recipient: MVB
When the legislature adjourned in April, 1819, the federal newspapers were assailing Mr. Clinton and his friends, for not supporting Mr. Rufus King. The papers under your influence were making the most solemn declarations “that the republicans would not move to the right or to the left. They would support their candidate, and no other.” Thus far your plans had succeeded. On the 4th of March, 1819... Continue Reading
Recipient: MVB
My last letter left you advocating, in legislative caucus, the unanimous nomination of De Witt Clinton for the office of Governor. This caucus, it will be remembered, was held on the 27th of March, 1817. After his election in April you soon ascertained that you had not the confidence of, and would have but little or no influence with, the then dominant party. You were disappointed, and again... Continue Reading
Recipient: MVB
Immediately after the determination of the late war, there was an organization of parties throughout the State. The federalists, as a separate and distinct body, no longer existed.— The popularity of Mr. Clinton seemed to be at an end. With the democracy of the State Mr. Tompkins was the idol. You, sir, like an incubus, had fastened yourself upon him. At no period of your life (and his real... Continue Reading
Recipient: MVB
It is believed that no candid man who peruses the preceding letters can view you in any other light during the year 1812, than as an opponent of the war and its friends; and as having “changed fronts” from mercenary and selfish considerations, after the election of Mr. Madison, and triumph of the war party. A more impudent and unsupported claim was never made by a political juggler, than that... Continue Reading
Recipient: MVB
The manner in which the bill to raise twelve thousand men, originated in 1814, has been detailed. It was a measure recommended by Gov. Tompkins; and as the bill reported by Mr. Van Buren, differed from that reported by Gen. Root, it is proper to examine in what the difference consisted. The proposition of Gen. Root was, that the men should be raised by volunteer enlistments, and that as an... Continue Reading
Recipient: MVB
In preceding letters it has been demonstrated that from 1811 to 1813, you were the advocate and supporter of that class of politicians who were opposed to the war; that you were the untiring opponent of James Madison, and the devoted adherent of De Witt Clinton. And here let me again remark that it is not intended to discuss the merits or demerits of Mr. Clinton or his friends. It is your... Continue Reading
Recipient: MVB
It has already been remarked, that on the 3d of November, 1812, the legislature convened for the purpose of appointing presidential electors. In the evening of the 4th a caucus of the democratic members was held in the Senate chamber, to nominate candidates. A preliminary discussion ensued. The main question was first to be decided: shall the electors be men who will sustain “the regular... Continue Reading
Recipient: MVB
During the year 1812, and for sometime previous, you was a resident of Hudson. Mr. James A. Hamilton was also a resident of the same place.- Congenial spirits, an intimacy was formed, which has ripened into a most affectionate and tender friendship. The ties which now bind you together are indissoluble. They are the ties of policy and of interest.-Each to the other is known. At that period you... Continue Reading
Recipient: MVB
It is not proposed to discuss the merits or demerits of either the friends or the opponents of the late war. So far, however, at the incidents connected with that contest have became a part of the history of our country; and so far as their notice is deemed necessary to a true develpment of your character, a retrospect will be taken.
I now charge you, sir, with aiding and abetting those men who... Continue Reading
Recipient: MVB
Before proceeding to notice your official acts, I shall, very briefly, recur to two incidents which may be considered indicative of the cast of your mind. You well know, sir, that for a time you was employed in the office of the late Judge William P. Van Ness. You may remember, and if you do not, you ought, the circumstances under which you was first noticed by that gentleman. Whether he was, or... Continue Reading
Recipient: MVB
you are styled “the Magician.” You are flattered and pleased with the appellation. It is a misnomer. It has tended, however, to increase your influence with the unprincipled office seeker. It has drawn around you a band of mercenaries, who have ministered to your vanity, and pampered an “unchastened ambition.”
There is no man in our country whose character is so imperfectly understood, as that of... Continue Reading
Recipient: MVB
Through the medium of your paper, I propose, with your permission, to address a series of letters, to the Hon. Martin Van Buren, Vice President of the U. States. It is my wish to bring before the American people, a true history of this gentleman’s career. I shall commence with his early days, and detail such facts as will, in my estimation, induce the freemen of this country to pause, before they... Continue Reading
Recipient: Mordecai Manuel Noah
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