In the autumn or early in
December, 1860, he made a succession of speeches at Newburyport which
were calculated to promote the views of the Secessionists. At about
the same time he wrote a letter which was read before the Republican
Senatorial Caucus, when his name was before the Senate for confirmation
as Chief Justice of the United States. That letter compelled President
Grant to withdraw the nomination. At a period during the war General
Cushing was disposed to enter the army, and there was a movement in
favor of his appointment as Brigadier-General. Andrew, Sumner, and
some others, appeared in opposition, and the appointment was not made.
While I held the office of Secretary of the Treasury, General Cushing
gave to a friend of mine, and to myself, an invitation to drive out to
his farm, the Van Ness place, about six miles from Washington, on the
Virginia heights, and take tea with him. After business we drove to
his farm. I took a seat with Cushing in his buggy-wagon, and my
friend followed in another vehicle. As we were passing through
Georgetown, we stopped at a shop where Cushing obtained a loaf of
bread. Upon reaching his place we were taken over the land. Its
quality was inferior and it showed the neglect of former owners, and
there were indications that the present owner had done little or
nothing for its improvement.
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