view_list
pageview
Correspondence of JAMES K. POLK
FROM WILLIAM W. LEA
Dear Sir,

Contrary to my expectation and intention, as expressed to you some two or three years since, that I was not and did not expect to be an applicant for any appointment under your administration,2 I have been induced by some highly respected friends, to ask of you the office of Commissioner under the treaty to run the line between Mexico and the U States. This is an honorable employment, to which I feel entirely competent; in seeking which I have the additional motive of a desire to make a personal exploration of the route for the contemplated Rail Road to the Pacific. This favor being accorded to the request of myself and friends will be most gratefully received and remembered.

Permit me to congratulate you on the brilliant success of your administration. As a native Tennessean, I feel proud of the honour and glory that have accrued to my native state and to the whole country from the talents, energy and patriotic devotion of the Tennessee Presidents. . . .

WM. W. LEA

ALS. DLC–JKP. Addressed to Washington City. From Polk’s AE: received January 18, 1849.

  1. State identified from Polk’s AE and through content analysis.
  2. Letter not found.