Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1847-04-03
COL. BENTON AND Mr.. POLK.
WASHINGTON CITY,( /.
March 6, lB47.

March 6, 1847.
SIR-Wthout waiting for The formality oil
being presented with the commission OF Major
Gene raj in the army oil the United States, think
il right to inform you at once that my accep
lance, or refusal, Of that high appointment, will
depend entirely upon public and national con-
sideratons, Of which, you, yourself, will be the
Judge. Personally, can have no wish for this
office; but if you believe can be Of service to
the country, am willing to forego all private
consider ations--seperat myself from my fam.
lily, under painful circumstances; resign my
place in the Senate, which is so dear 10 me, and
proceed Immediately to the theatre Of war. My
only stipulation would be for the powers which
deem necessary to success; and these would
be both diplomatic-the command Of the army
and authority to sign prelimnaries Of peace
based upon terms previously approved by you
beg you to believe, sir, that nothing selfish
or personal dictates this proposed stipulation.
There is no such thing in it. 1t proceeds from
thorough conviction that, with subordinate
command, could do no good in the army; on
the contrary, that my presence there would be
improper and mischlevous; for am known,
from my public speeches, to dlsapprove the
plan, both Of the late and the present comman-
der-(the defensive policy of one, and the San
Juan Of Ulloa attack OF the other land this be.
known, my presence would operate as an i'm,
piled censure on the two generals, and might
make me, in spite Of myself, the nucleus Of dis
content and insubordinaton. The command Of
the army, therefore, is the only military posi-
ton which could hold in 1t.
Authority to conclude peace, or at least to
sign the preiminaries Of peace, | deem highly
es ,ential TO success, as it would enable the com
mander in chief, 10 take instant advantages Of
all passing events, military or political TO close
the war.
Furnished with these powers, | am willing
TO make the sac, fces, and to incur the respon-
sibilities of this high command; but leave it
to you, sir, for your free and final decision
considering it as national question, and new
one, on which there is no commitment, on eth,
er side, in any thing that has passed.
| Whatever may be the decision, my thanks
and gratitude will not be the less TO you for
your unsolicited nomination of me to this high
appointment, nor to the Senate for its instant
and unanimous confirmation Of it, nor TO the
House Of Representatives for its three times
virtual election Of me to be the commander-in
chief Of the army in Mexico.
Respectfully, sir,
Your friend and fellow citizen,
| THOMAS Ii. BENTON.
|
| WASHINGTON Cry,
March, 9Th, 1847.
SIR-l have given to your letter of the Oh
inst the consideration which its Importance de-
mands. In rendering to you the appointment OIL
Major General in the army, earnestly desir-
ed that the country should have the advantage
Of your conceded ability and military knowl-
edge, your intimate acquaintance with the
Mexican character, and your familiarity with
their language and political condition.
Immediately after your nomination as Major
General had been unanimously confirmed by
the Senate, carefully examined the question
whether possessed the power to designate yor
"a junior MAJOR General-to The chief COM
mand Of the army in the field. The result o
this examination is, am constrained TO say, 9
settled conviction on my mind that such power
has not been conferred upon me by the exist
ing laws.
am full y sensible Of the exalted patriotism
which could alone have induced you TO make
The personal sacrifices to which you would bt
subjected, in assuming even the chief command
ofthe army in Mexico; and duly appreciate TIT
reasons you have assigned, and which may,
fear, prevent you from accepting your appoint
ment as Major General. IL, on further refec'
ton, such should be your decision, shall learl
it with deep regret.
am, sir, with high consideration, very re-
speclfully,your obedient servant,
JAMES X. POLK.
TO Major General THOMAS II. Benton, Wash
ington City.
WasurNcToN C,rv