| [I. The Washington of the Thirties] | [1] |
| The journey from Philadelphia—The first railroad—Communicationwith the West—First impressions of visitors—Hotels—Lookingfor lions—Trials of calling—Unpavedstreets—Uncouth appearance of town—Impressions of contemporaries—Surroundingsof Capitol—Neighboring quagmires—Cowsin the streets—Unlighted thoroughfares—Advantagesof Georgetown—Drives and walks—Arlington—TheTayloe mansion—The Van Ness mansion—Sight-seeing—TheCapitol’s popularity—Society in Senate—In House—InSupreme Court—Manner of living—House rent—Servanthire—Slaves and Southern masters—Boarding-houses—Congressionalmesses—The Woodbury mess—The law of themess—Popularity of—Adams a diner-out—Hospitality of thetown—Miss Martineau’s triumph—Ignorance of her books—ThomasHamilton’s experiences—Literary celebrities—Firstsociety letters—First Washington correspondents—Crudeperformances in Washington theater—Booth’s appearances—FannyKemble’s—Rules and prices in theater—Weather postponesperformances—Traveling circuses—The race-course—Cockfighting—Gambling—Heavydrinking—Moral laxity—AWashington season as a lark—Affectations of fashion—Parisiangowns and hats—Leading shops—Daily routine of alady of fashion—Party lines in society—Mrs. Livingston’sleadership—Mrs. Stevenson—Mrs. Woodbury—Mrs. Forsyth—Mrs.Tayloe—Men’s styles—Conversationals—Formality—Picturesof Clay, Webster, and Calhoun in society—Dayof gossip—Of gallantry—Entertainments—Introductionof ice-cream—The dances—Dense crowds—Incongruousdresses—Diplomats set fast pace—Events at Carusi’s—Thequiet Sundays—Unhealthiness—Death-rate—Thecholera scourge. |
| [II. The Rising of the Masses] | [31] |
| The scurrility of 1828—Slander of Jackson and Adams—Democracytriumphs—Gloom of Whig aristocracy—The faithfulmarch on the capital—The throne room at Gadsby’s—Jacksonreceives office-seekers—Politics in Cabinet appointments—Calhounconfers on patronage—Jackson ignores Adams—KingMob at the inauguration—The reaction on the Cabinet—Attemptsto conciliate the disappointed—The morbid bitternessof Clay—Miniatures of the Cabinet. |
| [III. The Red Terror and the White] | [64] |
| Party organization and the spoils system—Demands on Jacksonfor place—The provocation—Jackson’s attitude—VanBuren’s doubts, and Lewis’s—Kendall’s pain—The harassedCabinet—Ingham and Van Buren angrily rebuke Hoyt—Terrorof the clerks—The exaggerated impression of the dismissals—The“martyrs” who were also criminals—TheSenate launches the White Terror—Rejection of the nominationsof Jackson’s newspaper friends—John Tyler’s part in it—Hispersonal and political character—Type of anti-JacksonDemocrat—The prejudice against “printers”—The cases ofLee, of Noah, of Kendall, and of Hill—Effect on Jackson—Hillsent to Senate that rejected him—Unprecedented partybitterness foreshadowed. |
| [IV. Jackson breaks with Calhoun] | [88] |
| Political significance of the Jackson-Calhoun quarrel—Calhounturns the corner—His previous political character—Effectupon it of the quarrel—Relations of Hayne-Webster debateto quarrel—Latter’s party character—Jackson’s attitude—Livingstonspeaks for Administration—Nullifiers miscalculateJackson—The Jefferson dinner—Its purpose—Jackson acceptsthe challenge—His toast—Effect on Calhoun—Jackson’sdinner to Monroe—Learns of Calhoun’s hostilityin Monroe’s Cabinet—Crawford’s statement to Forsyth—Letterof Forsyth is shown Lewis—Jackson hears of it anddemands it—Jackson calls on Calhoun for explanation—Latter’sreply—Jackson breaks—Crawford’s character andcareer—Calhoun’s desperate efforts to extricate himself—Appealsto Adams—Latter’s notations—Calhoun’s pamphlet—Newspaperbattle—Calhoun’s ambitions wrecked. |
| [V. Mrs. Eaton demolishes the Cabinet] | [116] |
| “Peggy” O’Neal—Marriage to Eaton—Society outraged—Mrs.Eaton cut by Cabinet ladies—Jackson’s indignation andefforts—Van Buren’s advantage in the game—He features“Peggy” at dinners—Cabinet unable to confer—Van Burenproposes resignation—Jackson plans complete reorganizationof Cabinet—Mrs. Eaton’s attitude—Jackson’s interviewwith Branch—How new Cabinet was formed—Branch andBerrien place blame on “Peggy”—Mrs. Ingham tarred bysame brush—Eaton’s pursuit of Ingham—Latter’s earlymorning flight—Portraits of Livingston, Taney, and Cass—AVan Buren Cabinet. |
| [VI. Kitchen Cabinet Portraits] | [144] |
| Dominance of Kitchen Cabinet—Portrait of Amos Kendall—HarrietMartineau’s impressions—Portrait of Major Lewis—OfIsaac Hill—Secret of partisan bitterness—The Marat ofthe Kitchen Cabinet—The establishment of the “WashingtonGlobe”—Portrait of Frank Blair—Relations of the “Globe”to the President—To the National Democracy—Consideredthe Court Journal by diplomats—Buchanan’s experience withNesselrode in Russia—The specialties of the Kitchen Cabinetmembers. |
| [VII. Clay leads the Party Onslaught] | [171] |
| Whigs clamor for Senate leadership—Clay responds—Portraitof Clay the politician—Is nominated for President—Doubtssuccess—Hopes to carry Pennsylvania or New York—Hisbattery of genius in the Senate—Whig advantage inability in the House—The rejection of Van Buren’s nominationas Minister to Great Britain—Its motive—Its stupidity—Flimsynature of charges—“Kill a Minister to makea Vice-President”—Character of John M. Clayton—Heopens attack on Post-Office Department—His open appeal toCalhoun to join Opposition—Clay’s tariff plans—Calls conferenceat Everett’s—His dogmatic manner—Adams unimpressed—Clay’sgreat tariff speech—Tyler’s reply—Impressionsof public—Failure to involve Jackson as planned—TheHouse battle—The dual reference—Character study ofAdams—Of George McDuffie—Adams coöperates with SecretaryMcLane—Jackson attempts a reconciliation—Causeof failure—McDuffie’s bill and report—His slashing attackon protection—Adams reports bill based on Treasury report—Adams’sbill passes House—Amended out of recognitionby Clay protectionists in Senate—Surrender of Senate conferees—Thepolitics in it—Clay’s fury—He fails to makepolitical capital—Tariff eliminated from campaign—Jacksonianstake offensive—Embarrass Clay on land question—Politicaleffect in new States—Kitchen Cabinet makes headway. |
| [VIII. Clay finds his Issue] | [201] |
| The son of Alexander Hamilton—His intimacy with Jackson—Phrasesfirst attack on National Bank—The inspiration ofJackson’s hostility—The Mason incident—Biddle’s flippantreply to Ingham—Kendall’s editorial in “New York Courierand Enquirer”—Biddle’s alarm—His attempts to conciliate—Hiscontradictory advice and information—The strange attitudeof Major Lewis—Clay plans to drag Bank into politicsfor selfish purposes—Treachery of Livingston and McLane—Clayurges immediate application for recharter—His inconsistency—Jacksonprefers to postpone Bank issue—Reasons—McLane’sembarrassing report—Clay presses the Bankto act—Biddle sends agent to Washington to investigate—Cadwalader’sconferences—Sees selfish political aims of Clayand Webster—His conversion to Whig plan—An historicalconference—Biddle blackmailed into action by threats of Clayand Webster—Application presented—The House investigatesthe Bank—Results—Political effects—Biddle takescharge of fight in Congress—Recharter Bill passes—Biddleand Clay expect veto—Plan to make Bank the campaign issue—Effecton Jackson—Authorship of Veto Message—VanBuren’s midnight conference at White House—The Veto as acampaign document—Opinion of Biddle—Of Clay’s organ—Ofthe “Globe”—Both parties pleased—Senate debate on theVeto—Webster’s speech—Arrays Bank against Jackson inappeal to the people—Hugh Lawson White accepts the issue—Clay’sunworthy performance—Benton’s reply—Clay andBenton exchange the “lie”—The issue goes to the people. |
| [IX. The Dramatic Battle of 1832] | [227] |
| New campaign methods of 1832—Class consciousness arousedby both parties—The intensive use of the press—Biddle subsidizesnewspapers and bribes editors—Kendall’s campaigntextbook—Clay’s intrigues—Negotiates with the Nullifiers—Calhoun’sstrange plan considered—Coalition of Bank, Whigs,and Nullifiers—Blair makes the most of it—Ties the Whigsto Nullification movement—Jackson defies the Nullifiers—Clayintrigues with Anti-Masons—His letters—Nominationof Wirt—Latter’s political relations with Clay—The trickplanned for New York—Seward’s testimony—Jacksoniansignore the Anti-Masons—The Bank the issue—Clay’s campaignplans—Bank’s corruption of the press—Bank resortsto intimidation and coercion—Attempts to frighten the timid—Circulationof stories as to Jackson’s health—Blair meetsthem—Stories of Jackson’s bloodthirstiness revived—Theanti-Jackson cartoons—Kitchen Cabinet arouses and organizesthe masses—Use of the press—Intensive organization—Monstermeetings of Democrats—A Jackson paradein New York—Hickory poles—Glee clubs—Songs—Demonstrationfor Jackson at Lexington—Personalities—Choleraplays a part—The presidential candidates—Jackson’sconfidence—Jacksonians “on the turf”—Notable Jacksonvictory—Ominous action of South Carolina. |
| [X. The Politics of Nullification] | [252] |
| The Nullifiers win in South Carolina—Jackson’s fury—Hastensto the capital—South Carolina’s changed views—Calhoun’sexposition—Cavalier vs. Cavalier—Calhoun’sletter to Hamilton—Joel Poinsett’s part—Jackson energeticallyprepares for defense—Steps taken—His reliance onpublic opinion—His caution—His Proclamation—Drama ofits preparation—Effect on public—Hayne’s reply—Clay’scriticism—He plays to Nullifiers—Effect on State-RightsDemocrats—Ritchie’s straddle in Virginia—Tyler’s despair—Jacksonhas Cass prepare appeal to Virginia—Purpose toisolate South Carolina—Van Buren’s embarrassment—Alsostraddles on Proclamation—Calhoun disappointed with Proclamation—His“death march” to Washington—Drawing-roomsympathy for him—Takes the oath as Senator—Jackson-Poinsettcorrespondence—Jackson asks Congress for additionalpowers—Calhoun’s agitation—The Force Bill—Tyler’sattack—Appeal to Clay—Clay’s interest in Tyler’s reëlection—Whig’sungracious support of Force Bill—Clayton’sspeech—Bitterness of debate—Poindexter and Grundy—Jacksonclears decks for action—Webster asked to leaddebate for Administration—Livingston’s call upon him—Calhoun’sspeech—Webster’s reply—His relations withWhite House—Jackson’s delight—Jacksonian cultivation ofWebster—Calhoun concerned—Whig, Bank, and Nullificationcombination—Dangers to the tariff—Clayton’s proposalto Clay—The politics in Compromise Tariff of 1833—Calhounhears from Jackson—Clay’s Tariff Bill—Tyler’s delight—Jackson’sdisgust over the unholy alliance—Clay’s frankness—ForceBill passes—Clayton whips Calhoun—Effect ofCass’s letter to Virginia—Nullification Ordinance rescinded—Politicaleffects of fight—The drama of the last night of thesession. |
| [XI. Jackson vs. Biddle] | [287] |
| Cabinet reorganization—Duane becomes Secretary of Treasury—Hisreputation and party standing—Jackson’s NewEngland tour—Plans removal of deposits—Consults Hamiltonin New York—Conversion of Van Buren—The Bank’scockiness over accession of Nullifiers—Blair makes the most ofthe coalition—Kendall’s reasons for immediate action—Conservativesof Cabinet alarmed—Kendall attempts to convinceMcLane—Van Buren rebuked by Kendall—Jackson polls theCabinet—Kitchen Cabinet’s continuous sessions—Debate onthe time for removal—Kitchen Cabinet favors recess action—Conservativeswould postpone until Congress meets—Duane’sstrange reticence—Jackson presses him for decision—Kendall’smission—His experiences with politicians en route—Newspapersopen fight—Jackson perfects his plans at Rip Raps—VanBuren hard pressed—Taney moves to Jackson’s side—Jackson’sPaper to the Cabinet—McLane and Cass threatento resign—Benton’s delight—Duane’s many letters of protest—Isdismissed—Taney assumes command—Websteradvises a “disciplining” of the people—The Bank plans apanic—Its methods and results—Clay advises distress meetingsand petitions—Political purpose—Jackson and distresscommittees—Reaction against Bank—New leaders—Benton—Preston—Leigh. |
| [XII. The Battle of the Gods] | [322] |
| Bitter battle in Congress—Clay leads onslaught—Calls forPaper read to Cabinet—Forsyth kills the effect—Senaterejects Government directors on Biddle’s demand—Websterreminds Biddle of his retainer—Attempt to exclude Lewisfrom Senate—Webster appeals to Story for opinion—Latter’sreply—Clay appeals to Tazewell—Is rebuked—Intenseinterest in congressional battle—Distress oratory—Forsyth’scynicism—Jacksonians counter with memorials—Whigmob-baiters sent to country to continue the excitement—Clay’scensure resolution—His bitter speech—Speeches ofPreston, Benton, Calhoun, Forsyth, and Webster—Clay’s motive—Webster’sdisgust over Clay’s plan—Proposes compromiserecharter plan—His speech—Calhoun presentsanother—Bank champions divided—Clay’s fury over Webster’sindependent action—Forces Webster to kill his own bill—Forsythmakes the record clear—Clay’s attempt to involveVan Buren—His histrionic appeal—Van Buren makesit ridiculous—Censure passed—Jackson’s spirited Protest—Effecton masses—Reception in Senate—Forsyth’s clevermove to pass the issue to the people—Protest rejected—Battlein the House—Adams’s activities—Horace Binney—Thedebate—Blair’s attack on Judge Hopkinson—Bankinvestigation ordered—Farcical nature—Clay’s resolutionorders restoration of deposits—Debate—Senate rejects nominationsof Stevenson and Taney. |
| [XIII. Political Hydrophobia] | [354] |
| Whigs determine to win in New York City election—Lewis’sadvice to Hamilton—Mayoralty nominees make Bank theissue—Mixed result—Whig celebration at Castle Garden—Democratscelebrate inauguration of anti-Bank mayor—Thefall elections—The Whigs take their name—Forsyth’ssharp comment—The hotch-potch combination—Jacksonvisits the Hermitage—His confidence—Cabinet changes—Whigsimpatient of Bank issue—Biddle’s indignation—Jackson’striumph in New Jersey—Whigs redouble efforts inNew York—Liberty poles—Mobs in Philadelphia—The Virginiacampaign—Leigh reëlected through a betrayal—Effect—Poindexterdefeated in Mississippi—Whigs accept result asdefeat—Weed dumps the Bank—Webster abandons it—Claytired of its troubles—Effect on politics of Bank fight—Bittercongressional session of December, 1834—Attacks onPost-Office Department—Instructions from legislatures toexpunge censure—Effect on Whigs—Post-Office scandal—Kendallmade Postmaster-General—What he found, anddid—Mrs. Eaton tries a bribe—Attempt to assassinate Jackson—Poindexteraccused—His character and career—Hisquarrel with Jackson—Demands an investigation—Is exonerated—Calhoun’sfight on Federal patronage—Its politicalpurpose—Debate—Democrats celebrate wiping out ofnational debt—Whig Senators refuse to buy paintings forPresident’s house. |
| [XIV. Whig Disloyalty in the French Crisis] | [386] |
| The French indemnity treaty—French indifference to the obligation—Jacksondetermines to enforce treaty—Portrait ofJohn Forsyth—Livingston sent to Paris—Real cause of difficultythere—Chamber again fails to appropriate—King sendsregrets and assurances—Chamber again fails—Livingston advisesshow of spirit in Presidential Message—Jackson’s Message—Whigembarrassment, and criticism—Message reaches Paris—Livingstonpresents copy to de Rigny—King recalls FrenchMinister—Livingston’s tact—Whigs plan to isolate Jackson—Whigpapers apologize to France—Foreign RelationsCommittee of Senate packed against Jackson—Blair’s protest—Clay’sreport—Circulated as political document to isolatethe President—Clay suggests France may ask apology fromJackson—Buchanan explains the Paris state of mind—DefendsMessage—Senate passes Clay’s resolution—“Intelligencer”calls it to attention of France—Livingston’s spiritedreply to de Rigny—Approved by Jackson, Van Buren, andForsyth—Serurier refused audience by Forsyth—War cloudslower—Strange happenings in French Legation—House considerscrisis—Adams’s attitude—Pays tribute to Jackson’sspirit—The amazing debate—Adams protests against tributesto France—Amendment to Fortifications Bill—Whigfilibuster against it—The Nation naked to its foe—The Whigjubilation—French Chamber authorizes payment conditionalon an apology from Jackson—Livingston leaves Paris—Mrs.Barton and Madame Pageot—Livingston’s tumultuous ovationsin New York—Forsyth’s instructions to Barton—Diplomaticrelations broken—“Oil or water?”—Livingstonadvises moderate tone for Message—The Message—Publicindignation over failure of Fortifications Bill—Blair fans theflame—Approach of French squadron—Webster defendsSenate and attacks House—Adams and Webster—Adams’sspectacular reply—Democrats follow Adams’s lead—Englishoffer of mediation—Terms of acceptance—France recedes—Jackson’striumph—Effect on America’s prestige in world. |
| [XV. The Battle of the Succession] | [423] |
| Van Buren the heir apparent—Senator White’s disaffection—Whigplan to use him—Clay’s plan of campaign—Whig sneersat Mrs. White—Blair’s rebuke—The schism of TennesseeDemocrats—Polk leads for Van Buren—White wins—Portraitof White—Kitchen Cabinet’s attack on him—Alsodetermines to retire Bell from Speakership—“Globe’s” attackson latter—Baltimore Convention—New York and Virginiacombination broken—Van Buren’s reconciliation visit toCastle Hill—Whig confusion—Clay sulks—His complaint—Slaveryquestion in campaign—Attempts to turn slave Statesagainst Van Buren—Davy Crockett’s biography of VanBuren—Holland’s—Adams’s comment—Van Buren’s serenity—Congressconvenes—Bell defeated—Van Buren’s toothache—Whigfight on Taney—Whig Senators harassed byinstructions from home—The embarrassment of VirginiaWhigs—Ritchie’s mirth—Calhoun’s fight against abolitionliterature in mail—Purpose to embarrass Van Buren—Latter’sfriends “play politics”—Calhoun’s extreme bill—Its partisanmotive—Tie votes—Van Buren does not dodge—Calhoun’sbitter reference to Jackson—White’s bitter attack—Calhoun’sinsult to Van Buren—Congress adjourns—Issues of1836—Adams’s contempt for all the candidates—Enthusiasmfor Jackson continues—Whig depression—Newspaper battles—Clay’ssulking—His one speech—Jackson’s electioneering—White’scampaign speech—Results of election—Their significance. |
| [XVI. Twilight Triumphs] | [457] |
| Jackson’s illness—Whigs attack him while down—He fightsback—House Whigs’ last effort against Whitney—Jacksoniansturn the tables—Threats of murder—Peyton and Wise—Bentonplans to expunge—His speech—Bitter replies—Theconference at Boulanger’s—Refreshments in Benton’s committeeroom—Clay’s theatrical speech—Scenes in SenateChamber—Webster’s protest—Benton wins—Dramatic situation—Themob in the gallery—Benton’s friends arm—Mrs.Benton’s alarm—The Clay-Benton altercation—Jacksondines his friends—Last days in White House—His FarewellAddress—Its real significance—His last reception—Jacksonthe Man—White House memories and women—Theinauguration of Van Buren—Jackson the central figure—Homageof the multitude—Last night in the White House—Thelast conference at Blair’s—The end of the “Reign.” |
| [Books, Papers, and Manuscripts cited and consulted] | [481] |
| [Index] | [489] |