Washington was never more
dignified; Jackson was never more peremptory.
The feeling against Mr. Blair and the pressure upon the President for
his removal increased throughout the summer. All through the period of
gloom and discouragement he refused to act, even when he believed the
verdict of the country likely to go against him, and was assured on
every side that such a concession to the radical spirit might be greatly
to his advantage. But after the turn had come, and the prospective
triumph of the Union cause became evident, he felt that he ought no
longer to retain in his cabinet a member who, whatever his personal
merits, had lost the confidence of the great body of Republicans; and on
September 9 wrote him a kindly note, requesting his resignation.
Mr. Blair accepted his dismissal in a manner to be expected from his
manly and generous character, not pretending to be pleased, but assuming
that the President had good reason for his action; and, on turning over
his office to his successor, ex-Governor William Dennison of Ohio, went
at once to Maryland and entered into the campaign, working heartily for
Mr. Lincoln's reelection.
After the death of Judge Taney in October, Mr. Blair for a while
indulged the hope that he might be appointed chief justice, a position
for which his natural abilities and legal acquirements eminently fitted
him.
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