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if his appointment was certain to secure the object, I would not, with all my anxiety upon the subject, be willing to dismiss Col. Bee at this time, in the face of so many reasons that forbid it. I would rather leave the treaty for my successor to complete, than to seek the gratifi- cation which its immediate consumation would afford me, upon the wounded sensibilities of a friend and a faithful officer. The public interest does not, in my opinion, require such a sacrifice of justice. After all, it does not appear that Doctor Archer asks the appoint- ment. I can only infer that it would be agreeable, from the applica- tion's being made; but he has never expressed to me any desire to exchange his present situation for another. And should I send him abroad at this crisis who could I get to succeed him in his present situation, so capable as himself of winding up the affairs of the De- partment over which he has presided, and rendering to the approach- ing Congress the required account of the stewardship of this branch of my administration.- Every act of the Government for the past year will have to undergo the strictest scrutiny of that body; and as our military operations constitute the largest and most complicated portion of the public business; his services may be as important here in affording the necessary explanations to the congress as they might, under all the circumstances, be useful in our foreign negotiations. If the application however is made at his request, or with his consent, I can assure you no selfish desire on my part to retain him in his present i,ituation should stand in the way of getting the appointment.- However useful and important to me in closing my administration, I would send him to Washington without a moments hesitation if there was no other sacrifice to be made than my own interest. In conclusion permit me to reiterate my entire confidence in your motives. I know them to be disinterested, benevolent and patriotic; and whilst you would serve your, [sic] and the country & your friend, I feel that I too, receive a due share of your good feelings; and there- fore do I the more deeply regret the difference which has arisen in our views on the points involved. Your known adherence to my admin- istration and the desire which you have so often expressed that it should close in honor to myself and good to the country, make it extremely painful for me to deny a request which you seem to have so much at heart; and one too which it would give me as much satis- faction to grant, if I could do it consistently with my convictions of duty. My own wishes prompted me to give the question a full & favor- able hearing; but after viewing the subject in every possible light, I am forced to the conclusion that I could not make the arrangement proposed without committing injustice to the country, to Col Bee, and to others. And I must also be allowed to apologize for the length of this reply. One calamity at a time. is quite enough; and doubtless you feel, that it was sufficiently cruel in me to disappoint your expectations, without inflicting you with such a wearisome letter. But the truth is I have been so anxious to satisfy you that I have not jumped to my conclu- sion, without giving due consideration to the various reasons which you offer in favor of the measure recommended. The claims of your friend, I duly respect and acknowledge to the fullest extent; and you have urged them with a zeal and an earnestness, that would not permit me,
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