The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1847-03-13
CORRESPONDENCE
THE PRESIDENT AND TH0S. H. BENTON
IN RELATION TO THE
M AJOR. IN e RAJ 8 HIP.

ne TnEOIULNI HiNu 'Ho0' y" UIN'0'N
IN RELATION
MAJOR ERAL CHIP.
From the washington Union March III
In consequence Of the importance of the subject and
Of The deep interest which the public take in H. and Of
the various spsculstons which have forth in the
dsnss before readers II is taken from printed
copy before US, which Gen Benton has adore ssst
to the members Of the Senate.
By this result the country does not lose the servce
Of Mr. Benton but he remains 10 the high Office Of Sen
Of the United States which he has long and hon
orably graced.
wAsHisoros CRY. March TO- lsl7.
copy OF the following letters which explain the crcum
stances under which decline to accept the appointment
OF major general IN the army .
Respectfully, sir your obedient servant,
To the Hon. Mr.. -, OF the United States Senate
wAsHusoros CRY, March 0. ls47.
SR:-Without waiting for the Formally Of being
the army Of the United states, think right to inform
you that my acceptance, or refusal OF haa nxh
al consideraons Of which you. yourself will be the
Judge. Personally, can have no WISE 70, h,s orv'
ann willing TO forego ali private derations-separate
my self from my family. under painful cifcnmstsnces
and proceed mme diately the theatre Of war My only
stipulation would be for the powers which deem neces
ary to and these would be both military and
Sinloma,c~the command Of the army aud authority
sign preminsres OF peace based upon terms previously
beg YOU to believe sir that nothing selfish per.
nonal dictates his proposed stipulation. There
; suGn s Sns with subordinate Command could do no
good IN the army on the contrary that my presence
there would be improper and mschisvcus; for | am
plans both of the Late and Of the present commander
1.-THE defensive policy Of one, and the San Jssn Of Uloa
would operate implied censure the two gene
rails. and might make me- in spite Of myself the nucleus
Of discomfort and differentiation The command Of the
army therefore, is the only military position which
could hold 10 II.
preliminsries Of peace. deem highly essential to
cess, would enable the commander-in chief to take
instant advantage of all passing events military or pO'
Furnished with these powers, am willing to make
the sacrtces and to incur the responsibilities OF this high
commani but leave to you sir for free and final
decision; considering national question, and
one which there Is commitment, on either sds in
Whatever may be the decision my thanks and graft
ude will not DO the less to for unsolicited no
mination of to this high appointment to the Sc
nate for its aud confirmation Of it,
House Repre- for its three times virtual
election Of TO be the OF the army
Respectfully, sir, your friend and fellow citizen.
THOMAS II. BENTON.
To THE President.
WARRINGTON CRY, March 8, le47.
smI have given your letter OF the 9th instant the
consideration which its importance demands 10 tender
ing to you the OF ma!sr general IN tne army
vantage your conceded ability and military knowledge
your intimate acquaintance with the Mexican character
and your your fam arity with their language and polit
cal coalition.
Immediately after your nomination major general
had been unanimously confirmed by the Senate, care.
fully ximined the question: whether possessed the
power to designate youa junior major general-to the
chief command Of the army in the field The resuN Of
this examination is constrained to say, settled
conviction my mind, that such power has not boon
conferred upon me by the existing laws.
am fully sensible Of the exalted patriotism which
could alone have induced you to make the personal sac
r6oes to which you wouls be subjected. in assuming
oven the chief command OF the army in Mexico and
duly appreciate the reasons ysu have assigned, and
which may, fear prevent from accepting your ap
pointment as major general IT, en- further reflection
such should be your dscision shall learn it with deep
regret. ,, with h,,n consider .o, v.,v r.,D.osn,v
your obsdisnt servant, JAMES X. POLK.
TO Major General Thomas II. BESToN,
Washington city.
WAsHIroroN, Tuesday Evening, March 0, ls47.
Sra Your letter OF this days date just received and
seeing. for further reflection, and wishing
to avoid all delay in offering the army, have written
note TO the sdjuaGt general to be delivered at his Of
doe in The morning. declining to accept ths appointment
you, and so honorably confirmed by the Senate.
have ths honor to be, Sill, with great respect your
10 inc PRESIDENT.
'WAsHISercs CRY,
Tuesday EveDlng, March ., lS47.
Sir IL had the honor TO receive your OF 9th
instant, with the commission OF Major General in the
army, and delay ed the OF acceptance,
acceptance until should receive answer from the
President to note which addressed to min in the
ing Of ths day. That answer is received, and
bles me to answer your note, and TO say that the
mission is not accepted.
Please to accept sir, my thanks for the kind terms Of
your note, and Tor the thousand courteses which you
have extended to in the course of our long and
friendly acquaintance
Most truly and respectfully yours,
THOMAS II. BENTON.
To ApJurANr GENERAL JONES'