an be had in the executive department. This
opinion is in no sense due to the nature of my relations with General
Grant. His military habits led him to put responsibility upon
subordinates and this habit he carried into civil affairs.

Moreover, in my own case, he recognized that fact that I had accepted
the place upon his urgent request, command indeed, and not to gratify
any ambition of my own. And further, I think I may assume, that his
confidence was such that he was content to leave the department in my
hands. During my time he put only one person--General Pleasanton--
into the department, and he never commanded or required the removal of
any one. On a few occasions he named persons whom he said he would be
glad to have employed if places could be found. They were always
soldiers, or widows or children of soldiers, and he never forgot his
suggestions, nor allowed the passage of time to diminish his interest
in such cases.

The important places in New York, Chicago, St. Louis, Cincinnati, New
Orleans and Philadelphia were filled by him, usually upon consultation,
but upon his judgment. He gave very little attention to others beyond
signing the commissions. I often called his attention to the more
important ones, but it was his practice to send applicants and their
friends to me with the remark that the business was in my hands.

By this course the President avoided much labor, and escaped some
responsibility. The disappointed ones charged their misfortunes to
the Secretary, and the President was able to say that he knew nothing
of the case, etc., etc.

I have reason to believe that the President did not exhibit equal
confidence in my successors, especially in Mr. Bristow. The President
received the impression very early, that Bristow was engaged in a
scheme to secure the nomination by an alliance with the enemies of
General Grant. In my time three Secretaries of the Treasury attempted
in turn to secure a nomination for the Presidency through the influence
and patronage of that department. All were failures, and failures well
deserved.

Such a policy breeds corruption inevitably. Venal men aspiring to
place, avow themselves the friends of the Secretary, and if through
such avowals they secure appointments, the offices will be used for
improper purposes.

My successor, Judge Richardson, had been Assistant Secretary for three
years and more, and no one could have surpassed him in industry,
fidelit