From: Karmen Lewis
Date: 3/23/00
Time: 8:11:56 AM
Remote Name: 155.247.154.37
Karmen L Lewis History 67, Tuesday/Thursday William Cutler 3/21/00
Primary Source Questions: Why was the President Angry with some of the leaders of South Carolina? Who was Martin Van Buren and why did President Andrew Jackson write him this letter at this time? President Andrew Jackson was angry that South Carolina would secede, or with draw from the United States. When South Carolina decided to nullify the tariff, Jackson ordered armed forces to Charleston and threatened to hang Henry Clay. Violence seemed inevitable until Clay negotiated a compromise. The compromise stated the tariffs would be lowered and South Carolina would drop nullification. Martin Van Buren, born in 1782, was a layer and became leader of the “Albany Regency”, a New York political organization. Appointed Secretary of the State by President Andrew Jackson in 1827, he became the president’s most trusted advisor. Van Buren resigned from the Cabinet so that other members loyal to Calhoun would also resign. In addition, Jackson tried to make Van Buren Minister to Great Britain. He was unsuccessful at this when Calhoun, cast the deciding vote against the appointment. Finally, in 1836 Van Buren was elected Vice President to Andrew Jackson. After reading the letter one can conclude that it was written in reaction to South Carolinas threat to secede. At this time Jackson was hurt by the states threat; but would go to war to protect the laws of the United States.