I understand from a letter received from Majr Lally, that he is anxious to get the appointment of Commissioner to survey & mark the Boundary line between the United States & mexico. I have no doubt of his entire qualification for the proper discharge of the duties incumbent upon the appointment he desires. He is gallant, chivalrous, & brave, with intelligence and honor—& devoted to his friends & thoroughly Democratic in every impulse of the heart.

He is among those who never faulter, and I love him for the virtues which enoble his heart.

You know the manner in which he sustained himself under the most trying circumstances in the army. He is in all things the very man for that place, and I need not say how much I would be pleased to see his wishes gratified. I hope you will pardon the warmpth with which I express myself. He deserves all I have said & more too.

I beg to call your attention to the merit & worth of Capt Bernard of the city of Philadelphia, who so greatly distinguished himself as an officer of the Voltigeur Regt in storming Chapultepec.

It was he, who so gallantly seized the Flag of that Regt, after the second or third Standard Bearer was cut down, scaled the wall in the face of a deadly fire & lead forward the assault to the very door of the castle. This fact, & his distinguished gallantry appear in all the official Reports. Such officers should be known to the Govt. & while it is under your direction, I am sure they will be cared for.

I should be exceedingly gratified to have him provided for.

Your Brother William & his Lady, Squire Walker & his family with Picket & Lady all spent the day with me. Your mother is in good health. I was anxious for her to have come out also, but she would not do so. She was delighted with her Cameo Likeness of yourself.

When you visit Tennessee, or more properly when you come home in the spring; I hope you will bring Mrs Polk to my house and make it head Quarters until your House is ready for you. Mrs Pillow joins me in tendering you the hospitalities of Clifton, with assurances of the pleasure your acceptance of our invitation will afford us.

I shall start south in 2 weeks to look after my planting interest. I found my business greatly neglected & expect my southern interest has suffered still more from my long absence in Mexico.

I am & have been all the summer; suffering much from the affects of my last wound. I have been compelled to decline an active participation in the Campaign now waxing hot in Tennessee, because of my very crippled condition.

Both parties are sanguine of carrying Tennessee. My opinion is that the state will vote for Cass, but the contest will be close. I regret the necessity of leaving before the election, but it is now 3 years since I visited my plantation & having to make arrangements for the removal of my hands I feel that I am obliged to go, or suffer greatly in an interest all ready greatly neglected.

My wife joins me in desiring to be kindly remembered to Mrs Polk & J. K Walker & Lady.