embittered South Carolinian could only turn for solace to the
nullification movement, in which he was already deeply engulfed.

Pursuing their plans to the final stroke, the Administration managers
forced a reconstruction of the Cabinet, and all of Calhoun's
supporters were displaced. Louis McLane of Delaware became Secretary
of the Treasury; Lewis Cass of Michigan, Secretary of War; Levi
Woodbury of New Hampshire, Secretary of the Navy; and Roger B. Taney
of Maryland, Attorney-General. Van Buren also retired, in conformity
with Jackson's announced intention not to have any one in the Cabinet
who was a candidate for the succession; and Edward Livingston,
Jackson's old Louisiana friend, became Secretary of State.

It was decided that a fitting post for a successor while awaiting his
turn--particularly for one who was not popular--would be the
ministership to Great Britain; and Van Buren duly traveled to London
to take up the duties of this position. But when the appointment was
submitted to the Senate, Calhoun's friends adroitly managed matters so
that the Vice President should have the satisfaction of preventing
confirmation by his casting vote. "It will kill him, sir, kill him
dead," declared the vengeful South Carolinian to a doubting friend.
"He will never kick, sir, never kick." But no greater tactical error
could have been committed. Benton showed the keener insight when he
informed the jubilant Calhoun men that they had "broken a minister,"
only to elect a Vice President.




CHAPTER VII