Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1850-03-30

A report having prevailed for time, and after
wards been contradicted, hut yesterday again re-
newed in the correspondence of one of the Baltimore
journals that the Hon. w. THOMPSON, Of Indi-
ana, had been offered and had accepted the appoint
ment Of Charge d'Affaires OF the United States to
Berlin, we are permitted to publish the following
Correspondence between him and the Department
of State on the subject from which it viii be seen
on what grounds Mr.. THoMpsoNhas been obliged to
decline the honor extended him {:
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
...,-. Washington, March 20, 1850.
DEAR SIR received your letter Of the 10Th Instant de-
Ginning the appointment which the President had determined
to tender you, with tie of the Senate, Charge
dAaes to the Empire of Austria, take effect the pre-
sent incumbent taking leave Of the Court of his Majesty the
Emperor ...+
And have the honor be- my dear sir with assurances
Of my great regard and esteem your obedent servant,
JOHN NJ. CLAYTON.
RICHARD W. THOMPSON, Esq.
WASHINGTON, MARCH 10, 1850.
DEAR SIN: You will recoect that when you informed
of the wish of the President that should accept the
poinment of Charge dAIairss the Court OF Vienna
gave my consent that my should be sent to the Senate
but reserved the right of such ultimate action as upon
Election, my deliberate judgment might dictate have
since then given the subject much anxious reflection, and the
result is the conviction that of duty myself and
family requires that should decline the acceptance of the
position without further delay. The considerations which
prompt this determination entirely prcate and of char
acter imperative render tmpossbie that should resist
them may add, also, that have personal wish to
actively again in public affairs and that yield both
my judgment and inclination in expressing the determination
to remain hereafter in private life.
entirely sensible of the obligation under which the
President has placed me, by offering place of much
distinction at time when relations with Austria of
most important and delicate character and when that
try is the centre of political attraction in Europe Under
such circumstances my judgment, would have justified
might have entered upon the duties of such mission if
not with the certainty Of dschagng them to the satisfaction
of the President and the country with the hope, least of
personal benefit by temporary residence abroad.
The present condition of affairs at home such
demand Of every citizen of the country the employment of
whatever vigilance and energy he may possess that ns
uons may preserved and the Union of the States perpet
uaed. Although in private e shall feel il less my duty
than have felt it to be heretofore, to aid, by all legitimate
MEANS in rebukng that spirit Of faction and fanacsm which
has endangered national happiness and peace The field
Of labor thus afforded is sufficiently large for my ambition
and will furnish abundant duties amongst those with
Wnom assoCateu anu TO WnOm attach
ed by ties which circumstances Amongst those
duties there that shall discharge with pleasure
sincerity than the expression Of the conviction that the po-
icy ndcatedby the present Executive is only distinguish
ed by patriotism and wisdom, but emnenty calculated to
SECURE the permanent prosperity Of the country and the in
tegrity Of the Union. ..#
my name has been placed before the Senate hope the
President viii it to be recalled at once should be
guilty of want of respect that distinguished body were
to postpone the declaration of my purpose until after action
upon my nomination.
Please communicate to the President my just appreciation
of his Partially aud ndence and accept for yourself assn
RANGES of my high consideration.
have the honor to be- respectfully your obedisnt servant
r. w. THOMPSON.
Hon. JoaS M. CLAYTON,
Secretary Of State