Letters of William T. Barry; Wm. and Mary Qrtly., Vol. 13, No. 4; Pages 236-244 Transcribed by Kathy Merrill for the USGenWeb Archives Special Collections Project ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net *********************************************************************** LETTERS OF WILLIAM T. BARRY. William Taylor Barry was twice married, first in 1805 to Lucy Waller Overton, daughter of Waller Overton and a granddaughter of Capt. James Overton and Mary Waller, and secondly, in 1812, to Catherine Armistead Mason, daughter of the Hon. Stevens Thomson Mason, of "Raspberry Plain", Loudoun county, Va., and his wife Mary Armistead. In 1829, Major Barry was appointed Postmaster-General by President Jackson, holding this office until the first of May, 1835. Most of the following letters were written from Washington at this period, and were addressed to the writer's daughter, Mrs. Susan Barry Taylor, of "Bellevue", Newport, Ky. A few earlier ones were written to his wife while Major Barry was in the Unites States Senate. CITY OF WASHINGTON, 9th February, 1815. I have been here a long and tedious week, and not one line from my dear Catharine . . . The Bank Bill, a very important measure, is now before the Senate. It is one in which the nation is deeply interested, and must of necessity claim by constant attention . . . I have not been to visit any one since I came to the city until to-day I called to see the President. To- morrow or next day I shall go to see Mrs. Bronaugh. The weather is so very cold that I don't turn out often, except when I go to the Senate Chamber. I saw to-day in the Senate Lobby your old acquaintance, the handsome and accomplished Mr. Orr. William, I believe, is his Christian name. We bowed to each other, but I had no opportunity of conversing with him . . . Col. Lavall was here when the city was taken by the British. From what I am told he did not act well. An opportunity offered when he might have charged the enemy with great effect. His apology for not doing so was that the ground was too rough and stony, and he said his horses were not well broke to the bridle. His conduct is the subject of derision. I was really sorry to hear it. I wish very much you could be in our gallery a while to see what a very grave and dignified Senator you have for a husband; I should only be afraid that you would begin to think yourself Page 237. too young for me. I am very much pleased with my situation. I prefer it greatly to a seat in the House of Representatives. The Senate is truly an orderly, dignified and enlightened body. I expect to derive much pleasure and improvement from association with some of the most distinguished men of the Nation. I will some day give you a sketch of the character of the most conspicuous of them. WASHINGTON CITY, 20th February, 1815. DEAREST WIFE: There is but one way in which I account for the silence of my friends in Lexington, it is that you are all so full of joy at the good news from Orleans that you have not time to think about any one in this quarter. Another cause, perhaps, the failures of the mails. which have been unaccountable this winter . . . The rapid fall of goods in this place and Georgetown exceeds all calculation. Broadcloth in one day, after the news of Peace, fell from 18 to 9 dollars a yard, and British goods of every description almost have fallen in the same proportion. WASHINGTON. 24th February, 1815. MY DEAREST LOVE: A few days will close our session, and I will hasten on to Kentucky, the land of promise . . . The roads will be so deep and the weather so unsettled that it is impossible to say how long I shall be on the journey, but be assured I shall lose no time, for I never was more anxious to be at home in my life. The ground is still covered with snow, and winter has not yet abated here. I never experienced as much cold in one winter, and I hope I never shall again, for I am heartily tired of cold weather. Washington is quite gay since the news of peace. Queen Dolly is high spirits, and wants nothing but a new Palace to make her as charming and as happy as ever. The President is much elated. The glad tidings of Peace, procured by the glory of the American Arms under his management, has inspired him with new life and vigour. I have just been reflecting that about next fall or summer, when we come to Virginia, the new importation of goods will have arrived from Europe, and then it will give me real pleasure for my dear Catharine to purchase thos articles of Page 238. furniture which it was understood were to be had on the return of Peace . . . I have not told you where I am located in this great city. I am at O'Neal's. The Mess is composed of Mr. Talbot, General Saml Smith, of Baltimore, and his Lady, Miss Spear, Mr. Murfree, of North Carolina, and his Lady, Governor Turner, of No. Carolina, Judge Kent of N. York, and General Ringold. We live very well and have agreeable society. Mrs. Smith is a plain, agreeable and well-informed Lady, and Mrs. Murfree is a very amiable Lady indeed; Miss Spear a fine, blooming lass of about the age of fifty, more or less. But to speak seriously and candidly, she is an accomplished, intelligent woman; a disciple of Minerva, rather than a favorite of Venus. I should not forget to name amongst others, a charming little girl, the daughter of Mr. O'Neal [this little girl afterwards became the notorious Mrs. Eaton], who very frequently plays on the Piano, and entertains us with agreeable songs, and amongst others some that touch my heart because they were the tunes I have heard my dearest Catharine play so often. WASHINGTON CITY, 2nd March, 1815. I was sitting to-day in the Senate rather in low spirits when the Messenger handed me letters with the Lexington Postmark. I eagerly broke the seals, and cannot express the delight I felt when I opened the kind letter of my dear wife dated on the 13th February . . . I shall leave this in a day or two. Congress adjourns to-morrow. I then to go R. Plain, and will rest there a day or two, and hasten along the old road to Pittsburgh, so familiar to us both. I expect to have company: Judge Ormsby, of Kentucky, Mr. Creighton of Ohio, and Major Vorheis, of Kentucky. We calculate on going to Pittsburgh, and then going down in a boat to Limestone. . . It may appear remarkable, and yet it is true that since our arrival in the city, which was the 1st February, there has not been one open, pleasant day until yesterday . . . So fine a day prompted an excursion. I made one to the Navy Yard in company with Mr. Talbot and Gov. Barbour, of Virginia. You recollect about four years ago, we both took the same ex- cursion from George Town. What a sad change since then. It was then cheerful and busy with workmen; large vessels in the harbour Page 239. and handsome public buildings in the most flattering state of progressive improvement. Now it is a scene of ruins. Even the monument erected to the heroes of Tripoli has been defaced by the rude hand of the enemy. . . Edmund has improved considerably. He has acquired the manners of the city, and has conducted himself so well that I have given him a new suit of clothes, of which he is vastly proud. It would amuse you in the highest degree to see the airs he takes upon himself. He has found out that as the servant of a Senator he ranks pretty high, and in maintaining his stand he has had one or two fights with other boys. He has resolved to take an insult from none of them. WASHINGTON, 16th May, 1829. MY DEAR DAUGHTER: Yesterday's mail brought me a letter from my dear John. [This was a son who was at West Point.] He made a good impression here, especially on the mind of the Secretary of War. I find that slander has gone abroad against the amiable lady of this gentleman. I was not acquainted with her until I came to the city. She appears to be an artless, sincere and friendly woman. She may have been imprudent, as most of the ladies here are, but I cannot believe she was ever criminal. Major Eaton is himself one of the most estimable gentlemen I ever saw; he is the confidential friend of the President, and has quite as much, rather more, weight with him than any other member of the Cabinet. The truth is, there is a aristocracy here, as there is in all places, claiming preference for birth or wealth, and demanding obeisance from others; they allow none by sycophants to cringe to them to have standing or character. Mrs. Eaton was the daughter of a Tavern-keeper belonging to the democracy: she has by good fortune (if it may be so considered) moved into the fashionable world. This has touched the pride of the self-constituted great, awakened the jealousy of the malignant and envious, and led to the basest calumny. You must receive with caution what comes through the family of Judge ------. He wanted to be Secretary of War; Eaton was preferred to him, and he is a disappointed man. . . . . The President and his family (a most interestinga nd amiable one) are on terms of intimacy and friendship with Major Eaton and his, so are the other heads of Departmetn. As Page 240. to myself, I am now living in Major Eaton's family. I remained some weeks at Gadsby's Hotel, but as soon as Major Eaton commenced housekeeping he offered me a room with such sincere evidence of friendship and regard that I could not decline it. His servants, carriage and horses are all at my command. He has treated me like a brother; offers me his name in making an pecuniary arrangements I desire, and does everything to make me comfortable. Both he and Mrs. Eaton treated our dear John with marked attention and kindness whilst he was in the city, and it is no small matter for a cadet to have the good will of the Secretary of War. I have been thus particular because of the calumny that is abroad. If rumour were to be credited, but few handsome ladies in the fashionable world in this city would be free from blemish. The world is bad enough; helpless women are exposed to innumerable dangers; they often err, but men are most to blame, and the slanderer, above all characters, I most detest. I have been much occupied with my public duties. They are becoming more familiar to me, and I shall get along very well with my friends; the approbation of my enemies I do not calculate on. In appointments I am cautious; the government here are often deceived, and, of course, make some bad selections. But where abuses have been practiced, changes are and ought to be made; it is not done in other cases. Your Postmaster at New Port, and all others like him, who have acted well, are safe. But those who have abused their privileges, cir- culated Coffin hand bills, abused Mrs. Jackson, and acted partially in their stations, ought not to expect to remain in office. It should be recollected that offices are not private property; they belong to the public; those held at the will of the President ought to expect to go out when they lose his confidence. In my station I lay aside personal feelings, un- less duty comports with their gratification. It would have afforded me pleasure to have appointed Mrs. Taylor's brother to the P. Office at Maysville, but the views of the President were, of course, controlled by the wishes expressed of the people of Kentucky, and especially of the members of the Legislature in favour of Mr. Marshall. I have made changes at Frankfort and Louisville against my feelings, but policy called for them; indeed justice to the admin- Page 241. istration required it. Mr. Clay is at work; his partisans who have abused their stations and who are still devoted to his interests cannot or ought not to remain in office. It is quite probable that by the time you get this letter your Mama will be with you. Request her to travel slow, and not fatigue herself or the children. I have made arrangements for them on from Wheeling, and will, if I can, meet them on the road. She will come in handsome style, comfortable, free from expense (save Tavern bills, etc.), and with kind and marked attention everywhere. I have invited your Uncle John W. Overton to come on. General Jackson says he shall have employment here. It is probable I shall find a place for him in my Department. WASHINGTON, June 11th, 1829. MY DEAR DAUGHTER: . . . Your Mama and the children came on without accident and are all well, but our dear Armistead . . . I have at once consulted and placed him under the care of Dr. Bradford, of Richmond, Va., who is here with the family of the Secretary of the Navy; a man of fortune, and said to be one of the most eminent and experienced physicians of the United States. Major T. P. Moore and Col. J. C. Pickett are here, and will in a day or two leave the city and take their departure from New York for Columbia. I concur with you as to the necessity of economy and of being prepared to leave public life at the end of the President's term. Popularity is uncertain, and ought not to be depended on as the means of subsistence. But I am not at all apprehensive that Mr. C---- will ever rise again. Developments are constantly making here, of frauds and peculations upon the public treasury, practiced in the late administration, that will justify removals and awaken public indignation. It cannot be expected of any administration to keep near them in offices of high trust and confidence, personal or political enemies. Removals awaken sympathy that is momentary and passes off, whilst the silent, but constant influence of official station and power is continually operating. It is not necessary to act from a spirit of vengeance in punishing enemies, but it is right and politic to encourage and re- Page 242. ward friends; it tends to animate, whilst the opposite course would discourage and distress them. Besides, it is no punishment to restore men to all the rights of citizens. Public employments must necessarily and ought to be upon the principal of rotation in office. The sentiment of monarchy is growing rapidly; men and their friends cling to office and lay claims to it as private property, and cry out robbery if they are turned out. These men that complain so loudly thought it no robbery, nor did I to turn the new court Judges out of office. If Adams had suceeded, what would have become of the friends of Jackson? This question should be answered. Do we turn out men that the Democratic party wish retained? Are the real friends of General Jackson and his administration displeased; would they rather have enemies than friends in office? If the great body of public officers are to be retained, why change the head of the nation? Those who prefer the calm of perpetuity in office, would certainly be better pleased that the Executive head be made permanent. This will not suit a republic; it was not the case in Greece or in Rome. Republics are necessarily agitated and excited; when they cease to be so, the calm ends in monarchy and despotism. WASHINGTON, 25th June, 1829. MY DEAR SUSAN: Your brother John is with us, Armistead's health much improved, and we should all be very happy, but for the sudden and violent illness of dear little Leonard . . . Doctors Lovel and Simm, two able physicians, are constantly with him, and everything will be done to save him . . . Day before yesterday we were to have dined with the British Minister, yester- day with the President, but, alas, we have been at the bedside of our dear child. And Mrs. E---- (this much slandered lady) declined the invitations to dinner, has had poor Leonard in her arms day and night without sleeping, nursing him as tenderly as her own child. Gen- eral Jackson is remarkably kind. He quit his company at an early hour after dinner, came to our lodgings, sat by our dear babe for two or three hours, encouraging us and animating the Doctors to persevere in their remedies. Page 243. PHILADELPHIA, 26th October, 1829. MY DEAR DAUGHTER: Your Mama, Armistead, Jackson, Chloe and myself arrived here safely on the evening of the 24th. We came in a steamboat to the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, passed that most de- lightfully in a superb barg drawn by six horses, took the steamboat again in Delaware Bay, making our journey all the way by water, saving Armistead from the jolting of carriages. We are now comfortably fixed at the Mansion House . . . In a few days, Dr. Physic will decide whether it is necessary for Armistead to remain here or return with us to Washington. WASHINGTON, 9th November, 1829. MY DEAR DAUGHTER: Your Mama, Jackson and myself returned to this city last evening, leaving Armistead and his nurse Chloe in Philadelphia under the care of Drs. Physic and Harris, and in the house of the latter, who most kindly offered him lodging . . . I saw our dear John at West Point. He promised to write you an account of my reception there and at New York, where he accompanied me on my return from Albany, and remained with me in the city two days. WASHINGTON, 27th November, 1829. MY DEAR DAUGHTER: . . . Your Mama and myself dined in company with about fifty other ladies and gentlemen on yesterday at the President's, including all the members of the Cabinet and Foreign Ministers, with their respective ladies and daughters. The dinner was served up in the east room, lately fitted up. It was certainly the most splendid entertainment I have ever been at in Washington. Your Mama will, I expect, in a few days give you a particular description of it. In the general the President lives very plainly, but his Cabinet dinners, where the agents of other governments appear, are suited to the occasion. WASHINGTON, 24th December, 1829. MY DEAR DAUGHTER: I leave here this morning on a short visit to Philadelphia to Page 244. see dear Armistead. Your Mama and Jackson go to spend a few days in the neighborhood of Leesburgh. We hope to meet at home again next week. I send you the "Cabinet", a work just received which I have not had time to read. The stage will call for me in a few minutes . . . (To be Continued).