Page:American Historical Review, Volume 12.djvu/810

 8oo E. C. Barker steam Boats on which to embark — That the point of rendezvous is to be in the Arkansa Territy, and that the co-operation of the Indians is looked to by those engaged in the contemplated expedition. I know of no one whose situation will better enable him to watch the course of things, and keep me truly and constantly advised of any movements which may serve to justify the suspicions which are en- tertained than yourself, and I know I can rely with confidence on your fidelity and activity. To secure your exertions in that regard, is the object of this letter, and it is because I wish it to be considered rather as a private than an official, act, that it is addressed to you instead of the governor, (who is understood to be now in Kentucky). The course to be pursued to effect the object in view, must of necessity be left to your discretion — enjoining only, that the utmost secrecy be observed on your part. If in the performance of the duty required of you any expenses are necessarily incurred by you, I will see they are refunded. I am respectfully yours Andrew Jackson Wm. Fulton, Esqr.' Mayo contended that the President did not want an investigation made and that this letter was intended merely to put the matter to sleep. Knowing from Mayo of the letter, but not disclosing its contents, John Quincy Adams early in January called on the State Department to transmit it to the House. Neither a copy of the letter nor any correspondence from Fulton in regard to it could be found in the files of the department.^ Reading the letter in the House in July, Adams admitted that its contents were all that the circumstances demanded — only it had never been sent."* This he maintained because of the absence of any record in the State Depart- ment. Jackson pertinently asked why Adams, if he honestly desired to know whether the letter had been sent and received, did not apply to Fulton, now a Senator from Arkansas, and so close at hand.* For Fulton, between whom and Jackson there had been an active correspondence in these intervening months since Adams made his call, declared' that he did receive the letter, and that he made an investigation and sent several reports to the President which " fully authorized the conclusion that there was not at that time (1831) 'Mayo, Political Sketches, facsimile between pages 124 and 125. Long before Mayo's book was published printed copies of the letter were numerous. See the National Intelligencer, July 19, 1838; Globe, July 21, 1838. 2 The Globe, January 8, July 7. 21. 1838. See also Forsyth to Jackson, February 14, 1838. Jackson MSS. ^ Globe, July 7, 1838. 5 His first statement was in a letter to Howard. National Intelligencer, July 21, 1838.
 * Jackson to Fulton, July 19. 1838. Jackson MSS.