Mark R. Cheathem
History
- Member for
- 6 years 8 months
Project director and co-editor Mark R. Cheathem is a professor of history at Cumberland University. He is the author or editor of seven books and several articles on the Jacksonian and Civil War eras. Of note, Andrew Jackson and the Rise of the Democratic Party (2018) focuses specifically on the development of the Democratic party, while The Coming of Democracy: Presidential Campaigning in the Age of Jackson (2018) examines presidential elections between 1824 and 1840, including Van Buren’s involvement in his and Andrew Jackson’s campaigns during these five elections. He is currently working on a study of the 1844 presidential election.
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 61 - 80 of 2558Before 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.”
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.
Communication.
You will no doubt have heard that General Cass has been perambulating the states of the Union in search ("not of a father" like Marryat's Japhet) but of people willing to making him a father to our great Republic.
In the Name of God Amen, I Abraham Van Buren of the Town of Kinderhook in the County of Columbia being of Sound disposing mind & memory, Do make and publish This my last Will and Testament as follows.
I beg you to be assured that my delay in complying with your request is in no degre[e] attributable to a wan[t] of respect for yourself o[r] indifference to the interests of the institution in behal[f] of which you have add[ed] me. Your letter was mislaid immediately aft[er] it was recd. & not recoverd until now.
You had my permission to use my name as a committee to call a meeting of our citizens to express their opinion on the Missouri Question, & the propriety of your doing so has not been questioned by me.— You surely cannot suppose, that the use of my name for that purpose, imposed on me an obligation to sign whatever memorial might be agreed upon by the meeting.—...
I cheerfully comply with your request by sending you my autograph, & thank you for the friendly expression contained in your letter.
Will you have the goodness to let me know whether in your opinion, the 15th.