Biddle TO Samuel Smith

Phil. Jan 2^nd. 1830 My dear Sir ,

. . . The expressions in the message were the President's own — not dictated nor suggested by any body else — & inserted in opposition to the wishes, if not the advice of all his habitual counsellors. It is not therefore a cabinet measure, nor a party measure, but a personal measure. As such it is far less dangerous because if the people know that this is not an opinion which they must necessarily adopt as a portion of their party creed—but an opinion of the President alone — a very honest opinion though a very erroneous one—then the question will be decided on its own merits. ...