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304 FRANCES PACKARD YOUNG When Calhoun became Secretary of War in 1817, it was his first interest to strengthen the army for OUTLINE OF the needs of an expanding boundary CALHOUN'S line. His Indian policy was the most WORK AS complete plan that had, up to 1818, been SECRETARY formulated to take care of the large un- OF WAR settled territory in the, western part of the United States. 14 In the events con- nected with the Seminole War and the Acquisition of Florida, he was conservative and patient, trying to avoid rather than make war. Toward the last of his Administration, he was nominated for President by the legislature of South Carolina, 15 but he consented to run for Vice-President when it seemed that he could not compete with Jackson. Clay and Calhoun were rivals in this Presidential Campaign, while in political ideas they were no longer united. Whether or not Calhoun gov- erned the War Department with the idea of gaining the sup- port of the people to this higher office, is a question. CHAPTER II ADMINISTRATION AND REDUCTION OF THE ARMY After administering the office of Secretary of War for some time, Calhoun stated his ideas concerning CENTRALIZATION a more efficient management of the De- IN THE WAR partment. He outlined his plans in let- DEPARTMENT ters to authorities who were connected with the control of the army. On Feb- ruary 5, 1818, Calhoun wrote to John Williams, Chairman of the Military Committee of the Senate, concerning the reorgani- zation of the medical staff of the army. His main object in taking this step was to introduce responsibility and centraliza- tion into its government and ultimately to reduce the cost of 14 Von Hoist, Calhoun. 45. Niles' Register, XV. Supplement, 25. 1 5 Letters of Calhoun, House of Representatives, Documents, Am. Hist. Assn. Vol. 115, page 216. 1899-1900.