Washington CITY, March 6, 1847.
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SIR: Without waiting for the formality of be-
ing presented with the commission OF maj jor gen
eral in the army of the United States, think it
right TO inform you at once that my acceptance,
or refusal, of that high appointment will depend
entirely upon public and national considerations,
of which you, yourself, will be the Judge. Per-
sonally, can have no wish for this office but if
you believe that can be of service 10 the coun-
try, am willing 10 forego all private considera
tions-separate myself from my family, under
painful circumstances; resign my place in the
Senate, which is so dear to me-and proceed inn
medlately to the theatre Of war. My only stpu-
lation would be for the powers which deem ne
cessarv to success; and these would be both mill
tary and diplomalic-the command of the army,
and authority to sign preliminares of peace, based
upon terms previously approved by you.


| beg you 10 believe, sir, that nothing selfish, or
personal, dictates this proposed stipulation There
is no such thing in it. 1t proceeds from thor
ough conviction that with subordinate command,
l could do no good in the army: on the contrary,
that my presence there would be improper and
mischievous: for [ am known, from my public
speeches, to disapprove the plans, both of the late,
and of the present commander-(the defensive
policy of one, and the San Juan of Ulua attack Of
the oiher)-and this being known, my presence
would operate as an implied censure on the two
generals, and might make me, in spite of myself,
the nucleus of discomfort and insnbordination
The command of the army, therefore. is the only
military position which 1 could hold in it.


Authority to conclude peace. or at least to
sign the preIiminaries of peace, deem highly
essential to success, as it would enable the com
mander-in,chlef to take instant advantage of all
passing events, military POLITICAL to close the


war.


Furnished with these powers, am willing 10
make the sacrifices and to incur the responsible.
ties OF this high command but leave it to YOU.
sir, for your free and final decision; considering