Hamer was a life-long Democrat, while my father was a Whig.

They had a warm discussion, which finally became angry--over some act of President Jackson, the removal of the deposit of public moneys, I think--after which they never spoke until after my appointment.

I know both of them felt badly over this estrangement, and would have been glad at any time to come to a reconciliation; but neither would make the advance.

Under these circumstances my father would not write to Hamer for the appointment, but he wrote to Thomas Morris, United States Senator from Ohio, informing him that there was a vacancy at West Point from our district, and that he would be glad if I could be appointed to fill it.

This letter, I presume, was turned over to Mr.Hamer, and, as there was no other applicant, he cheerfully appointed me.