The Public Record
Martin Van Buren was the eighth President of the United States, serving from 1837 to 1841. A key figure in the formation of the Democratic Party, he previously held the positions of Vice President under Andrew Jackson and Secretary of State. Van Buren was also the Governor of New York, where he began his political career. His presidency was marked by economic challenges, including the Panic of 1837, which influenced his policies and legacy.
A complete stop has been put to those operations in consequence of the island having been taken possession of by the individual claimant under the decision, in his favor, of the United States district court for the district of New Jersey.
I have the honor to transmit herewith additional letters and documents embraced in the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 17th instant.
I deem it proper to submit all the material facts to your consideration, with a view to procure such additional legislation as the facts of the case may appear to render proper.
I transmit the accompanying documents, marked from 1 to 5,* in reply to a resolution of yesterday's date, calling for copies of correspondence between the Executive of the General Government and the governor of Pennsylvania.
I would respectfully invite the early attention of Congress to the adoption of the legal provisions therein suggested, or such other measures as may appear more expedient, for increasing the public security against similar defalcations…
I herewith transmit a special report made to me by the Secretary of the Treasury, for your consideration, in relation to the recently discovered default of Samuel Swartwout, late collector of the customs at the port of New York.
In order to obtain such information as might serve to facilitate its attainment, the Secretary of State was directed in July last to apply to persons versed in science and familiar with the subject of public education for their views as to…
To this practical operation of our institutions, so evident and successful, we owe that increased attachment to them which is among the most cheering exhibitions of popular sentiment.
But whether the interest or the honor of the United States requires that they should be made a party to any such struggle, and by inevitable consequence to the war which is waged in its support, is a question which by our Constitution is…
It was reserved for the American Union to test the advantages of a government entirely dependent on the continual exercise of the popular will.
Politicians like Martin Van Buren
