otice from the President of his readiness to
receive them."[1742] Indeed, the nomination came with such suddenness
that the action seemed to be hasty and ill considered.

[Footnote 1738: Alfred R. Conkling, _Life of Conkling_, p. 634.]

[Footnote 1739: Morton declined the navy portfolio, preferring the
mission to France.]

[Footnote 1740: Stewart L. Woodford, U.S. attorney, and Louis F. Payn,
U.S. marshal for the Southern District; Asa W. Tenney, U.S. attorney
for the Eastern District; Clinton D. MacDougall, U.S. marshal for the
Northern District; and John Tyler, collector of customs, Buffalo.
These were reappointments.]

[Footnote 1741: New York _Tribune_, March 24, 1881.]

[Footnote 1742: From Conkling's letter of resignation.--New York
_Tribune_, May 17, 1881.]

There is much literature on the subject. Reminiscences of public men
during the last decade have opened a flood of memories, some of them
giving specific statements from the principal actors. Blaine assured
George S. Boutwell that he had no knowledge of Robertson's nomination
until it had been made, and Garfield told Marshall Jewell that Blaine,
hearing of the nomination, came in very pale and much astonished.[1743]
Garfield wrote (May 29, 1881) Thomas M. Nichols, once his private
secretary, that "the attempt to shift the fight to Blaine's shoulders
is as weak as it is unjust. The fact is, no member of the Cabinet
behaves with more careful respect for the rights of his brother men
than Blaine. It should be understood that the Administration is not
meddling in New York politics. It only defends itself when
assailed."[1744] The President said to Conkling, declares Hoar, that he
desired to make one conspicuous appointment of a New York man who had
supported him against Grant, and that thereafter, upon consultation
with the two Senators, appointments should be made of fit men without
regard to factions. To this Conkling refused his consent, stoutly
objecting to Robertson's appointment to any important office in this
country. "Conkling's behaviour in the interview," said President
Garfield "was so insolent that it was difficult for him to control
himself and keep from ordering him out of his presence."[1745] Conkling
says the President, on the Sunday preceding the appointment, informed
him "that the collectorship of New York would be left for another
time."[1746] In a statement purporting to come from the President,
Jewell relates that when the five Stalwar