Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03209.13 Author/Creator: MacAlester, Charles (1798-1873) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 June 1835 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket ; 20 x 25 cm.

Summary of Content: Claims there are many people in Philadelphia who doubt both the compotence and honesty of Bank of the United States President Nicholas Biddle. Cites a specific example of a story about Biddle and President Andrew Jackson as proof of his falsehoods. The letter ends with the imperative "Destroy my letter as received."

Background Information: Charles MacAlester, son of the wealthy merchant Charles MacAlester, was also a prosperous merchant in Philadelphia, and the man after whom MacAlester College is named.
Francis P. Blair was the ...editor of the Washington Globe, the recognized organ of Jacksonian Democrats, from 1830-1845.See More

Full Transcript: [partial]
I see you are likely than a set to with Chandler of the U.S. Gazette, who I presume [] flattered in being considered the Bank organ. Wlash is not ...in as good repute as formerly. The other were apprehensive that he [] the French questions was calculated to inquire [] cause they behind that he was about to make one of his political [] & come out for van Buren. An influential Whig told me that many of his subscribers had withdrawn their patronage. You may tell Changler that there are many persons here, who doubt Biddle's qualifications [] his present station has many doubt his honour. As to veracity if you have not already [] that to be of a very doubtful character. You may put it to him to say what was his answer to the question of a government Director when a motion was made to [] the [] of December 1833. Mr President said the [] "I presume that motion is unneccessary for I understand the [] already printed. Is it not so sir?" "It is in print" was the reply sir, said the Director. I understand the report has been seen [head]." "A proof sheet have been prepared." was the answer of the "knowledgeable President." The fact is the report was printed before it was submited to the Board & at the very time this discussion took place 3 or copies of it were in the Bank ready to send to Washington & it had been in the hands of some of the []. You will see Biddle was driven to a petty [] which with some persons is considered equal to a falsehood.
If Changler gets troublesome, ask him whether he has enjoyed any [] or had any [].See More

People: MacAlester, Charles, 1798-1873
Blair, Francis Preston, 1791-1876
Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845

Historical Era: National Expansion and Reform, 1815-1860

Subjects: BankingBank of the USGovernment and CivicsCorruption and ScandalPresident

Sub Era: Age of Jackson

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