" Welcome thou pearl of wondrous Price. Thou oracle of Tammany Hall, I hope you’ve got a handsome slice, since I’ve in motion put the ball." | |
Andrew Jackson had appointed Samuel Swartwout to be Collector of the port of New York, against the advice of Martin Van Buren, who was Jackson’s Secretary of State at the time. Van Buren turned out to be right about Swartwout. In 1838 he fled to Europe after embezzling over a million dollars from the government. |
"Of Ex Collectors, you’re the man I wear within my heart of hearts; from pure regard, all that I can I’ve done, and come to foreign parts; And though defaulter I may be, & cause my party great regret. Fees (when in Office) due to me, will fairly balance all my debt." | |
William Price, the federal district attorney of New York soon followed Swartwout to Europe after also embezzling funds. A federal investigation beginning in November 1838 revealed the theft and created political problems for Van Buren. |
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