yoL. III. no. e2a.
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The resigned nembers Of the Cabinet were proba-
bly, the only objects of his attack In the integrity
and honor of those gentlemen, my late colleagues
in Office, have the most perfect confidence, but
am not authorized to speak for them, nor shall l.
For myself, [ answer that, SO far as concerns me,
then member Of the Cabinet, this charge, in its
| whole length and breadth, is totally unfounded.
| | oppose to it an absolute unqualified denial.
l do not know, and never knew, of any such
message to the President as tha. stated BY Mr..
Spencer. had neither art nor part in any such
message, nor in any device or negotiation for se-
curing to myself q continuance In Office. On the
contrary, l had become dissatisfied with the ad-
ministration Of Mr.. Tyler, and my consequent de-
termination to resign my Office was avowcd aud
known to many friends now in this city.


The cause of my retirement is truly set forth in
my letter of resignation; and, under the imputa.
ton of Z" tenacity" of Office, cast upon me.
hope 1 may be excused for adding, that the cir
cums,ances Of my position, as I regarded them,
no consideration could have induced me to retain
my Office.


In corroboratiun Of his statements, Mr.. Spen-
Ger refers to promulgations in newspapers-to a
speech "by a Representative in Congress from
Massachusetts, lately delivered at Newburyport,
upon authority" and to g" the declaration of
member of Congress-"


If this PRONUNCIATION, speech, and declaration
are to the same effect with Mr. Spencers state
ments, they are answered by this reply to him !
and, though do not, otherwise than from his let
ter, know their import, shall, without the trouble
of further search or inquiry, content myself with
saying that they are incorrect to the whole extent
they may vary from the statement of facts | have
here made.


From information received, l suppose that
may, without hazard of mistake, infer that the
(" Representative in Congress from Massachu-
setts," and the {" member of Congress above
alluded to, are one and the same person, and that
the Hon. Mr. Gushing is that person.


Upon perusal of this statement, | trust that
those gentlemen will be convinced of their error !;
but, if not desire that all controversy in respect
20 the facts in question may be finally settled,
80 far as | am Individually concerned.


Before leaving my residence in Kentucky for
this place, had read Mr. Spencer's letter, and
had heard of MIR. Cusbing's speech, butt seemed
to me most proper to postpone any reply till
could make it here in the city of Washington, In
their presence. and in the presence of those mem
bers of Congress who were here at the date of the
transactions in question, and to whose information
or testimony they might wish to appeal. AT the
end of the present session those members will be
widely separated, and no opportunity equally fa-
vorable to a thorough investigation ever again
occur. If they desire to proceed with such an in
vestigation, now is the time. For myself, | rest
secure in the unimpeachable trath Of the state
ment l have here made.


Respectfully, yours, &c.


J. J. CRITTENDEN.