Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 13.djvu/337

CALHOUN AS SECRETARY OF WAR 329 On March 4, 1824, the "Democratic Republicans," at Harris- burg, Pennsylvania, nominated Jackson FINAL ELECTION and Calhoun. They paid tribute to the latter for "his democracy, enlightened views of national policy and fearless devotion to public good ; 124 his services in the War of 1812, and the economy and system in the War Department, which saved the country much money." 125 When the final vote was taken by the House of Representa- tives, the three states which Calhoun lost, Delaware, Virginia and Georgia, were three of the four states which supported Crawford. All the states whose representatives voted for either Adams or Jackson were in favor of Calhoun. 126 CHAPTER VII JOHN C. CALHOUN There are very few sketches of Calhoun's character which apply only to the time when he was Secretary of War, perhaps because he did not stand out so prominently in public life in that period of his career. When Calhoun assumed the Secretaryship, he brought his family to Washington and bought the CALHOUN'S home on the heights of Georgetown to PERSONALITY which they gave the name "Oakley." He was very well liked socially on account of his pleasant, unassuming manners and charming personality. His unfathomable blue eyes and firm set features, gave indica- tions of deep thought and self-reliance. When people looked at him they realized that he had qualities which would make him a distinguished character among his fellow men. 127 At this time all his virtues were well summarized by one of his later political enemies, who said, "Mr. Calhoun deserves all that you can say for him. He is a most captivating man." 128 124 Ibid. 20. 125 Ibid. 41. Apparently these were not the same men who approached Cal- houn about the presidential candidacy. 126 Miles' Register, XXVII, 382-388. 127 Hunt, G., John C. Calhoun, 36. "Saw in him an indescribable attribute which set him apart from his fellow men and proclaimed him to be moulded upon greater lines." 128 Colton, Henry Clay Correspondence, Dec. 5, 1824. IV, 107.