Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-03-18
Wasiington City, March g. 1917.

States Senate.
Washington CITY. March 6. 1917.
Sis: Without waiting for the formaliy
OF being presented vithihe commission d
major general TO the Army Of the United
States. | think il right 10 iaiorm you al
once that my acceptance, or refusal Of
that high appointment, will depend en-.
tirely upon public aud NATIONAL cor s.dera-
tions. OF which you. yourself, will be the
judge. Personally / can have 10 wish
Tor this office, bu, il you believe that can
be Of service 10 the country, | am wiling
10 iorgo all private OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
rate myself irem my family, under pain
ful circumstances, resign my place in The
Senate, which is so dear to me--and pro-
coed Immediately 10 the theatre of war.
My only stipulation would be forthe powers
which deem necessary TO success and
these would be both military and diplo-
matic--the command of The army, ard
an authority TO sign prelIminsries Of peace,
based upon terms previously approved by
you.
| beg you TO beleiye, sir, that nothing
selfish, or personal, dictates this proposed
s'pH'allon. There is no such thing IN it,
II proceeds from thorough conviction
that, with subordinate command, could
do no good in the army on the contrary
that my presence there would be improp.
er and mischievous for am known from
my public speeches. 10 disspproye the
plans both Of the late, and Of the present
communicable defensive policy Of one,
and the San Juan Of Ulua attack OF the
oiher)--and this being known, my pre-
sence would operate as an implied cen.
sure on the two generals. and might make
me, in spite Of myself, the nucleus Of dis.
content and INSTRUMENTATION. The COM
mand oil the army, therefore, is The only
position which could hold in it.
Authority 10 conclude a peace OF at
least 10 sign the preliminaries Of peace
| deem highly essential to success, as i,
would enable the communicating chief 10
take instant advantage Of all passing events
military or political, TO close the war.
Furnished with these powers, am vii.
ling 10 make the sacrifices, and 10 incur
the responsibilities Of this high command ;
butt leave it to you, sir, for your free and
6nal eecision; considering il as nation
al question, and new one on which there
is no commitment, on either side, in any
thing that has passed.
Whatever may be the decision, my
thanks and gratitude will not be the less
10 you for your unsolicited nomination of
me to this high appointment, nor to the
Senate for its Instant and unanimous con-
frmation of il, nor the House Of Represen-
talipes for its three times virtual election
of me to be the commander in-chlef Of the
army in Mexico.
Respectfully, sir, your friend and fellow
citizen, THos. II. BENTON.
To the President.
Washington City, March 8, ls47.
SIR: | have given 10 your letter of the
6,h instant the consideration lis mpor-
lance demands. In rendering 10 you the
appointment of major general in the army,
| earnestly desired that the country should
have the advantage of your conceded
ability and military knowledge, your IN
innate acquaintance with the Mexican
character, aud your familiarity with their
language and political condition.
Immediately after your nomination as
major general had been unanimously con-
hrmed by the Senate, carefully exam
med The question, whether Possessed the
power to designate you--a junior major
general TO the chief command of the army
in the field. The result of this examina.
ton Is, am constrained to say, settled
conviction on my mind that such power
has not been conferred upon me by the
existing laws.
lam fully aware Of the exalted patriot.
lam which could alone have induced YOU
to make the personal sacrifices TO which
you would be subjected, in assuming even
the chief command OF the Army in Mex
leo; and | duly appreciate :he reasons
YOU have assigned, aud which may, fear,
prevent you from accepting your appoint
ment as major general. II, on further
reflection, sach should be your decision,
sHhtt icdiH " WIN sctV ftBlSe.
! lam, sir. with high consideration, very
respectfully, your obedien, seryent,
JAaEs X. Polk.
To Maj. General Thomas II. Benton,
Washington City.
Warrington Cdy. Tuesday Evening.
March o. lSi7.
SiRi--Yoar letter Of this days date is
POST received aud seeing no reason for
further reflection. aud wishing to avoid all
delay 10 Offering the army. have writ
ten note 10 the adjulant general. to be
delivered At bis office in the morning, de-
Ginning TO accept the appointment Of major
general "a the army, 80 kindly offered to
me by you, snd so honorably confirmed
IS the Senate. have The honor 10 be,
sir, With grea, respect. your friend and fell
iow-clIizen. Tnos. III. BEETos.
To the President.
sF~