His English was very correct, and his pronunciation but slightly tinctured by native accent.
While we were still in the neighbourhood of Washington, a most violent and unprecedented schism occurred in the cabinet.

The four secretaries of State all resigned, leaving General Jackson to manage the queer little state barge alone.
Innumerable contradictory statements appeared upon this occasion in the papers, and many a cigar was thrown aside, ere half consumed, that the disinterested politician might give breath to his cogitations on this extraordinary event; but not all the eloquence of all the smokers, nor even the ultradiplomatic expositions which appeared from the seceding secretaries themselves, could throw any light on the mysterious business.
It produced, however, the only tolerable caricature I ever saw in the country.

It represents the President seated alone in his cabinet, wearing a look of much discomfiture, and making great exertions to detain one of four rats, who are running off, by placing his foot on the tail.

The rats' heads bear a very sufficient resemblance to the four ex-ministers.

General Jackson, it seems, had requested Mr.Van Buren, the Secretary of State, to remain in office till his place was supplied; this gave occasion to a _bon mot_ from his son, who, being asked when his father would be in New York, replied, "When the President takes off his foot.".