, of that State, as Secretary
of the Interior. Mr. Jacob Collamer, of Vermont, who had been an
unsuccessful competitor with Mr. Upham for a seat in the Senate,
and had been recommended by the Legislature of his state as Attorney-
General, was made Postmaster-General.

General Taylor came to Washington impressed with the idea that he
was politically indebted to George Lunt, of Massachusetts, and
William Ballard Preston, of Virginia. He appointed Mr. Lunt District
Attorney for the district of Massachusetts, and it was soon understood
that he proposed to invite Mr. Preston to a seat in his Cabinet as
Attorney-General. The Whig Senators remonstrated, urging Preston's
lack of great legal ability and learning, but all to no purpose.
Finally Senator Archer, of Virginia, called and asked if there was
any foundation for the report that his friend Preston was to be
made Attorney-General. "Yes!" answered General Taylor, "I have
determined on that appointment." "Are you aware, General," said
the Senator, "that the Attorney-General must represent the Government
in the Supreme Court?" "Of course!" responded the General. "But
did you know that he must there meet Daniel Webster, Reverdy Johnson,
and other leading lawyers?" "Certainly. What of it?" "Nothing,
General, except that they will make a blank fool of your Attorney-
General." The Virginia Senator then took his leave, and the next
morning's papers contained the announcement that the President had
decided to appoint Mr. Preston Secretary of the Navy, and Mr.
Reverdy Johnson Attorney-General.

Mrs. Taylor regretted the election of her husband, and came to
Washington with a heavy heart. She was a native of Calvert County,
Maryland, and was born on the estate where the father of Mrs. John
Quincy Adams had formerly resided. Her father, Mr. Walter Smith,
was a highly respectable farmer, and her brother, Major Richard
Smith, of the Marine Corps, was well remembered at Washington for
his gallant bearing and his social qualities. The eldest daughter
of General Taylor had married Mr. Jefferson Davis. A second daughter
was the wife of Dr. Wood, of the army, who was at that time stationed
at Baltimore, as was General Taylor's brother, Colonel Taylor.
Mrs. Taylor, with her younger daughter, Mrs. Bliss, went directly
from Louisiana to Baltimore some weeks prior to the inauguration.
They broke up housekeeping at Baton Rouge, and took with them
William Oldham, a faithful colore