Colonel Jefferson Davis to Governor Albert G. Brown, August 15, 1847

(From Mississippi Free Trader, September 8, 1847.)

Warren County, Miss., 15th August, 1847.

Sir—I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your very kind letter of the 10th inst., accompanying the commission (which you have conferred upon me) of U. States Senator to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of the late Senator Speight.

In the deep and sincere regret experienced at the loss of our tried and faithful representative, none can sympathize more truly than myself; none more fully realize the calamity we have sustained, in the death of this pure politician, this fearless exponent and vigilant guardian of the interests of our State.

It is with a grateful sense of the distinction bestowed, and a high estimate of the responsibilities which I am about to assume, that I accept the commission you have tendered, with so much of delicate and gratifying encouragement.

The approbation which you convey of my services in the twenty-ninth Congress is especially pleasing, because therein was manifested my fixed opinion on the taxing and expending powers of the federal government, my uniformly entertained and often avowed creed of strict construction for the constitution of our Union.

I cannot express adequately my thanks for the high commendation you bestow on the services rendered in Mexico by the first Mississippi Riflemen. As the representative of the people give us that meed of praise, which is the great incentive, the only reward of the citizen soldier for all which he may suffer or do in the cause of his country. As State troops, under your organization we entered the service of the United States. Proud of the name of Mississippi; proud of her former achievements in war; anxious to burnish on the battle field her shield, rusted in the repose of peace; it was my wish, it was my effort to preserve my distinct organization, our State individuality; that thus we might bring back whatever of honorable distinction we should have the good fortune to acquire, and lay it at the feet of Mississippi, as our contribution to the joint property of her citizens, the reputation of the State.

You have justly anticipated my views in relation to a peace with Mexico; an event to be desired not merely from its influence on our domestic policy, but also to save from monarchial alliance, or entire prostration, a republican confederacy, which, despite our caution and magnanimous forbearance has forced us into war. The common desire of our countrymen to see the principle of self-government extended over this continent and recognized as the policy of America, has justified past administrations in tolerating past offences by Mexico, and still seeking to cultivate friendly relations. This desire has, I doubt not, led to a general approval of the course pursued by the present administration, in its steady efforts to open negotiations for a treaty of peace.

Should these efforts continue to be unsuccessful, we will have the satisfaction to know that our government has acted as became the United States, in avoiding unnecessary injury, to a weak, though perverse and offending neighbor. Sincerely thanking you for your kind expressions and generous confidence, I promise all which zeal and industry can effect in the duties of the high station to which I am assigned.

Very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

Jeff. Davis.

SOURCE: Dunbar Rowland, Editor, Jefferson Davis, Constitutionalist: His Letters, Papers and Speeches, Volume 1, pp. 93-4