I have receiveed and read with great satisfaction, your last message, which you did me the honor to send me a copy of.

It is scarcely necessary for me to repeat how much I approve the principles of your administration as fully revieweed and Vindicated in that message.

Would that we could anticipate or even hope, that they might prevail in the Measures of your successor. Under the auspices with which Genl. Taylor has been brought into power, and from the fatal & mischievous errors which he has Sanctioned by his approval, so far as he has chosen to give any intimation of his opinions on political subjects, we can indulge no expectation, favurable to the sound and constitutional, features of your administration, but can only look for a struggle to erase what has been so well and successfully done. We are, I fear, to have a sort of political unravelling of Penelopes webb, for the next four years and a renewal of all those dangerous and unconstitutional measures and systems, which we had supposed the administration of Genl. Jackson and yours had finally overthrown.

You at least will have the consolation, in your retirement, of knowing that you have done your duty faithfully and firmly, and your friends the Satisfaction of knowing that you have fulfilled all their hopes and expectations. As one of them I take pleasure in repeating the expression of that satisfaction.

I perceive by the papers that you contemplate, on your return home after the 4th March, taking the Southern route.

The principal object of troubling you with this note, is to request that you and Mrs. Polk would visit us and stay with us while you remain in Richmond. It will give Mrs. Patton and myself great pleasure to have you with us, in a friendly and social way.

Tendering you and your Lady our best regards and highest respect . . . .