James Bradley
History
- Member for
- 5 years 11 months
Project Work:
The following is a list of published documents on which I have completed at least one of the following editorial steps: transcription, verification, or annotation. More documents will be made available to view after they have gone through the full editorial process.
Displaying 141 - 160 of 173It was not in my power to meet you when in Albany in a way that gave me an opportunity of conversing with you on a subject which, you will readily believe, has some importance with me. I mean my restoration to office, which derives its consequence from the admitted fact that it is in the power of those friends with whom I have acted, to produce this event.
I should have written you at an earlier day had any thing essentially interesting occurred, since you left Washington. We have never till within a few days been able to ascertain what course would eventually be taken by those in the abstract opposed to Virginia’s giving us another President.
A more ceremonious but less honest friend would detain you by a string of laboured excuses for not writing you before of which probably one half would be founded in fiction.
I duly received your letter of the 10th Instant.
The crisis in my destination has arrived I last evening received a letter from President offering me the place of Secretary of the Navy I have slept one night upon it. Thought upon it during the day. Resolved—doubted—Reresolved and doubted again. Am much in want, of grave, and prudent advisers. The very flattering manner in which the offer is made is very imposing.
I received yours of Tuesday last, and should have waited for the arrival of the one you intimated you should soon write, if I did not deem it of importance to call the attention of our friends at Albany to the question of Presidency, without delay.
That I have been remiss in not writing to you oftener is most true but that you should from thence infer the least change in my affection for you would be most unjust, for if there ever was any subject on which there has been with me neither change nor shadow of turning it has is that of a steady and inflexible friendship & esteem for you & yours...
You will accept my acknowledgments for your very to me flattering letter of the 13th instant. I hope you have so recovered your health as to be able to resume your seat at Albany, where your presence seems much wanted.
I adjourned my Court yesterday, and shall now begin to prepare as speedily as possible to set my face to the south, my appointment has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate. I have occasionally misgivings on the subject, but it is now too late to look back, but must keep a good look out ahead. My resignation as Ch.
The Presidential question, so far as it may depend on the members of Congress, is undoubtedly, approaching its crisis. A caucus was convened on Tuesday evening last, by an anonymous notice, which was issued very unexpectedly. Nothing was done, but to authorise another caucus. Fifty seven Republican members, were present. Mr. Monroe’s friends are in great consternation.
I have been extremely busy for some time preparing to set my face to the south. My present calculation is to leave here on monday in company with the Vice President, Commodore Chauncy &c. Speculations and conjectures are afloat as to the Judge to be placed on the Bench. The Feds. are for some reason or other much opposed to W.
The decision was made last evening 65 for Monroe 54 for Crawford, 85 for Tompkins Vice Prest 30 for Snyder.
You tell me, my friend, that I must excuse you for not writing; and at the same time, you refer me to your letter to our common friend. <Tho'> as kind as it is delicate. I have seen that letter, and have perused it, at length.
I do not remember why the cause ^of Wheeler^ was put off. They must know that. Wigram is the Witness to the lease & as such is certainly necessary if they will not admit the execution which I presume they will. There has always been great uncertainty as to what the Ptff. claims & I do not suppose that Wms. knows exactly.
I have just received your letter of the 17th. and feel myself justly exposed to the gentle reproof you give me for not writing before. But I do assure you, I have had my hands full here I found the business of my office some what behind hand, and being unacquainted with the details it has taken me some time to get properly under way, as we sailors say.
The Letter signed by the Chief Justice Mr Cantine & yourself, requesting me to meet Mr T. at Philadelphia on the 12th Inst. was handed to me, by Judge VanNess, on saturday evening.
The symtoms of my Daughter have for a few days been more favorable, but not to justify me to leave her any time. I <regret>
I had the pleasure of receiving your letter this day read just at the moment of leaving Washington. I called on the Secretary of War and showed him your patriotic bill for placing NewYork in an attitude of defience with which he was much pleased. Virginia & other States will probably be induced to follow your example and Mr.
On the 10th. Inst. I addressed a line to Mr Van Buren, acknowledging the favour receipt of your letter of the 3rd, and engaging to meet Mr Tillotson at Philadelphia on the 14th foreseeing, at that time, nothing in the state of my business, which would prevent my leaving Washington this morning.
The bill authorizing the raising of twelve thousand men in this State has become a law. It now becomes necessary for congress to act upon it and until they do so the Governor will not commence the organization of the corps