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Washington CITY, March 9, 1874


SIR: have, given 10 your letter of the 9th IN
slant the consideration which is Importance de-.
mands Ia rendering to 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 intimate acquaintance with the Mexican
character, and your familiarity with their IAN
quage and political condition. a ne. ht


Immediately after your nomination as major
general had been unanimously confirmed by the
Senate, carefully examined the question, wheth-
er possessed the power to designate you-a ~
nor major general-to the chief command oil the
army in the field The result Of this examinaf
tion is, am constrained to say settled convic-
lion on my mind, that such power has not Deen
conferred upon me by the existing laws.


am fully sensible of the exalted PATRIOTISM
which could alone have induced you 10 make the
personal sacrifice to which you would be SUBJECT
ed, in assuming even the chief command OF the
army in Mexico and l duly appreciate the rea-
sons you have assigned and which may, fear,
prevent you from accepting your appointment as
major general If on further reflection, such
should be your decision, shall learn it with deep
regret. -


| am, sir, with high consideration, very respect
fully, yonr obedient servant,


JAMES X. POLK


To Major General THOMAS H. BENTON,


Washington City