Letters of business came addressed
sometimes to the President, but most frequently to the heads of
departments. If addressed to himself, he referred them to the proper
department to be acted on: if to one of the secretaries, the letter, if
it required no answer, was communicated to the President, simply for his
information. If an answer was requisite, the secretary of the department
communicated the letter and his proposed answer to the President.
Generally they were simply sent back after perusal; which signified
his approbation. Sometimes he returned them with an informal note,
suggesting an alteration or a query. If a doubt of any importance arose,
he reserved it for conference. By this means, he was always in accurate
possession of all facts and proceedings in every part of the Union, and
to whatsoever department they related; he formed a central point for the
different branches; preserved an unity of object and action among them;
exercised that participation in the gestion of affairs which his office
made incumbent on him; and met himself the due responsibility for
whatever was done. During Mr. Adams's administration, his long and
habitual absences from the seat of government, rendered this kind
of communication impracticable, removed him from any share in the
transaction of affairs, and parcelled out the government, in fact, among
four independent heads, drawing sometimes in opposite directions.
Pages:
820
821
822
823
824
825
826
827
828
829
830
831
832
833
834
835
836
837
838
839
840
841
842
843
844