THE PRESIDENT 10 MIR. BENTON


WAsBINGToN March @ lS47
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SIR: have given to your letter ofthe 9Th
instant the consideration which its importance
demands. In tending TO you the appoint
ment of Major General in the army, | earn.
estly desired the country should have the ad
vantage ofyour conceded ability and mill
tary knowledge, your intimate acquaintance
with the Mexican character, and your ia
miliariiy with their language and political
condition.


Immediaily after your nomination as Ma
jor General had been unanimously confirm
ed by the Senate, carefully examined The
question whether possessed the power 10
designate you-a MAJOR Generate the
chief command of the army in the field
The result of this examination is, | am con
strained 10 say, settled conviction on my
mind that such power has not been confer
cd upon me by the existing laws.


am fully sensible of the exalted patriot
ism which could alone have induced you 10
make the personal sacrifices TO which you
would be subjected IN assuming even the
chief command of the army in Mexico; and
duly appreciate the reasons you have assign
ed, and which may, fear, prevent you from
accepting your appointment as Major Gen
eral If, on further reflection such should
be your decision, shall learn it with deep
regret


| am, sir, with high consideration, very
speclfuly, your obedient servant.
a JAMES K. POLK.


To Major General THos H. BENTON. Wash.
inglon.