The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1864-08-12
LErrERs OF TRArrORs MEMMfNeEE
AND DAVIS.

LErvERs OF TRATTORs MEMMfNeER
AND DAVIS.
FtV7s ne EicAmoad EHeatvr.
Mr.. Memmiuger's letter Of resignation and
nat OF the President accepting Il, VIII DC tound
below. In the retirement ot Prnaee Mc, 70
receive the hindest evidences Of public esteem.
The industry, zeal, and bdohty Which save char
acterized his adniinistrapon have not failed 20
illustrate the purity OF ms nc, and viii not fail
10 rcar their reward.
THfAsURv DrPARrHEScr, R1cHNoSp, juno
rs, ls6A--Fis Exceiienoy the President -
Rrn.--You have been aware for eeveral months
Yaet Of my desire TO withdraw from my rro.
sent cficiai position, and of the reasons which
restrained me from so doing. With an earnest
purpose 10 devote 70 the service of my country,
during tire perils which surround her, whatever
faculties may pcssess,I had nevertheless per-
ceived that the enormous burdens imposed on the
Treasury by war on 80 vast a scale, and she
dificalty OF sustaining ihem bad given rise to
dzcontent and distrust in Che ability of the officer
admin i1teriDg the financial department To these
elements of dissatistactton was added another
Aris pg from essential dif, rences in the plans sub
mitted by the head Of the department and those
adopted by Congress.
In this condition Of things II would seem to
bave been proper to have resigned my office as
soon as Congress had passed It's Judgment against
The plans which had submitted.
Two considerations, however, prevented. The
Bret was repugnhnce to any act which could
be'misconstrued into an abnndonment of post
which fet that every citizen owed 70 his cOun-
try whatever sacrifice or service was demanded
Of him. The financial plan which was finally
adopted by the last Congress had heen uncertain
until fhe end OF the session. II was not matured
nntil the two Houses had referred the matter TO
Committees Of Conference, and IL became a law
only on the last day of the session. The ma
ehinery which was required for its operation was
complex and extensive, and, by the terms Of the
law, just forty days we're allowed 10 carry it into
complete effect. No new head OF the depart
,ment, however competent, would have been able
70 acquire sufficient knowledge of office details IN
time to have carried out the provisions of the act
The public good, therefore, demanded that
should not leave my post during this period.
The second consideration which prevented was
the unwillingness felt to leave you in opposition
70 your desire, while you honored me with such
confidence as you have manifested, and while our
whole energies were still taxed by the great and
varied responsibilities attendant upon the office
in which Providence has placed you
These considerations now no longer govern.
The nrst is at an end. The funding of the cur
rency has been nearly completed, and the entire
machinery required by the plans Of Congress and
finance is now In full operation. No interest will
suffer by my now giving place to successor.
The second consideration is that / yield to the
conviction that justice to myself and the public
requires me 70 insist on the acceptance of the
resignation which now tender, in the hope that
you win be successful in choosing a successor
whose views shall harmonic with those of Con-
gress, and WHO may, on that account be better
able (none can be more earnestly desirOus) than
j confess, sir, that cannot, without deep emo
zion, separate from you and my colleagues in the
Cabinet. Neither can do so without beariMg my
testimony that never, IN the UTMOST freedom of
confidential Intercourse nave / heard one word
--af -EHekAstNn Indicating aught but IA eouscien-
Sious and disinterested desire TO do what best
for our country. 1t had been my hope that ere
our official connection terminated our country
would be In full fruiton of the peace and indie
pendeuce for which she had paid so costly a
price, and that you, sir, would have enjoyed, in
n1a harh Tho
only reward you seek for the ceaseless cares and
labcrs devoted to her service. Though this may
not now be, shall not cease in private life TO give
nv warm cooperation in whatever may conduce
10 the consumnation so ardenlly desired.
need scarcely add, Mr. President, that while
desiring 10 be relieved at as early period rs
may be practicable, my services remain freely
at your disposal until you shall have selected
my successor In office.
with heartfelt wishes for your health, happl-
ness, and prosperity, remain, with the highest
respect and esteem, your oDedlent servant,
richmond, Va, June 81, lS6I.--Dear Sic II
have received your letter of the l5Ch inst IN ,
stating the grounds on which you deem that JUS
lice to yourself and to the public requires you to
urge my acceptance of your resignation.
Some months since yOu expressed desire TO
retire, for the reason that, in your belief the
public service would be promoted by the appoint
ment of successor whose views of financial
policy accorded better than your own with the
legislation then lately adopted. l knew the ex
IRENE QlfflculIy OF COnQuCtlnB the Treasury Le-
paTtment during the pending struggle. / was
aware that any officer, however competent, must
probably fail to escape the animadversions OF
those who are ready to attribute TO inefficient
administration the embarrassments due TO de-
hciencY of resources and the want of legislation
best adapted to the exi ting circumstances. The
experience acquired by you in the organization
and management of the Department could not
be Immediately replaced, and for these reasons
1 was satisfied that the general welfare would
be injuriously affected by your withdrawal at
that time. You have now AZ least the conso-
-sonal wishes were surrendered TO a conviction OF
public duty.
Recent events do not warrant me in refusing
your renewed request that should accept Your
resignation. The regret you express at the pros
pect of official separation is sincerely shared
by me. From your enhance on the dnties OF
'your office u have observed and appreciated the
cheerful and uDremittng devotion of all you
faculties 10 the public service, and do not fail tt
remember that it was at the sacrifice of pryatein
clinaiions that you continued TO fulfil the ardu
Gus duties of your post. The 0fier You make o
your services until your successor can assum
Office is in the same patriotic spirit, and is &C
cepted as thankfully as II is generously rendered
Al as early period as practicable, Il viii endeayo
TO comply with your request 20 be relieved.
Mthmy grateful acknowedgments for You
past assistance, and for your very kind eXpro.
sOns Of personal regard, be assured of the eordil
esteem lth which / am, your friend,
JRFPEHsON DAVIS.
HoD.,C.G C, Mem minger, Sec. c. s. Treasury,
Richmond, Va