His friendly relations with Clay were maintained at least until the autumn of 1827, when, on a trip to New Hampshire, he wrote his wife of dining with the orator in Washington. But the campaign of 1828 found Kendall and the “Argus” valiant in the cause of Jackson, with Clay and his friends “casting aspersions upon his motives and character.”[342] In revenge for these attacks he sought the privilege of taking the electoral vote of Kentucky to Washington. Meanwhile, after the election, and before his departure, he had been informed by an emissary from the Hermitage that Jackson intended to offer him an appointment. The Kendall lingering at the capital awaiting an appointment presents an interesting study. It is disappointing to note a certain humility and manner usually associated with the lower order of place-hunters. He was evidently ardent in his pursuit of a position. His inexperience is disclosed in his disgust on finding so many obscure politicians pretending to the distinction of having elected Jackson. And yet, so anxious was he for place, that he was willing to accept one paying an inadequate salary, and he wrote his wife that in that event he might persuade Duff Green to pay him $1000 a year for writing for the “Telegraph.”[343] During the weeks of waiting before the inauguration, he was not a little embarrassed for funds, and yet, under these drab conditions, he did not lack for invitations of a social nature. Meeting General Macomb and finding him “a Jackson man,” he expressed the hope that he might “find him a valuable acquaintance.”[344] Meanwhile he was investigating houses and rents, and concluded to economize by taking a house in Georgetown. “The house I contemplate taking,” he wrote, “is in a charming neighborhood on First Street, near Cox’s Row.” Receiving his appointment as Fourth Auditor, he dropped from public view. Dinners and parties saw him no more. He immediately assumed the rôle of a recluse. Taking his duties seriously, he uncovered the crimes of his predecessor and sent him to jail. His rules for the conduct of subordinates were such as to merit the approval of business men--rules that the office-holder of those days scarcely understood. After a week in office he wrote his wife: “The labor is very light, and when I am master of the laws under which I act, will consist of little more than looking at accounts and signing my name.” Thus we find him systematizing his work to dedicate the greater portion of his time to the political work of the Administration. “Hamilton,” said Martin Van Buren, a month later, “Kendall is to be an influential man. I wish the President would invite him to dinner, and if you have no objection, as you are so intimate with the General, I wish you would propose to him to invite Kendall to meet us at dinner to-morrow.”[345] The invitation was extended and accepted, and the Red Fox, who had a genius for picking men, was notably attentive to the timid subordinate.