480
TEXAS STATE LIBRARY
No. 1107
1839 Mar. 3, J. HEMPHILL TO l\L B. LAMAR
Houston Texas March 3d. 1839--
Dear Sir,
Your favor 53 of the 23D. ult offering for my acceptance the office of Secretary of the Treasury was received by me at "\Vash- ington on the 28th ult. The tender of this highly [important] trust was to me as unexpected as it was proudly[¥] gratifying: One at all times important and respectable, more especially so in the present juncture of our affairs, and not to be declined without urgent reasons and due deliberation But thought I acknowledge the very distinguished character of this public office, though I appe- ciate with proper sentiments of gratitude the very favorable esti- mate of my merits which prompted its offer, and though I recognize the obligation of every citizen to devote his ser [v] ices to the coun- try, when required, unless inconsistent with duties still more imperi- ous; yet the acceptance of office at this time, especially one so foreign to my professional studies and duties, is so incompatible with my views and professional engagements, that I feel myself compelled, though reluctantly, to decline·the profferred honor. l\iy regret is, howe·ver, greatly diminished by the co1.isideration that though among my fellow citizens none can 'be foun'd more zealous, yet, there are doubtless many more competent to discharge the duties devolving [upon] the Secretary of the Treasury.
' With sentiment of the highest regard I have the·honor to be very Respectfully Your obt. Sevt. John Hemphill
His Excellency
Mirabeau B. Lamar.
Houston.
[Addressed] His Excellency
[Endorsed] John Hemphill Washington 3rd. lJich. 1839
M. B. Lamar Prese11it. '
No. 1108
1839 Mar. 4, A. J. YATES TO M. B. LAMAR
To His Excellency
Mirabeau B. Lamar Dear Sir,
Having made the subject of Popular Education a matter of considerable research, particularly for the purpose of aiding in the establishment of some system adapted to the conditions of the country, I take pleasure in submitting to your 08 No. 1087.
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