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Mr. F. Webster to General Cass.
Department of State, Washington,
October 11, 1842.
Sir,—I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 17th of
September last, requesting permission to return home.
I have submitted the despatch to the President, and am by him directed to say, that although he much regrets that your own wishes should, at this time, terminate your mission to the court of France, where for a long period you have rendered your country distinguished service, in all instances to its honor and to the satisfaction of the government, and where you occupy so favorable a position, from the more than ordinary good intelligence which is understood to subsist between you, personally, and the members of the French government, and from the esteem entertained for you by its illustrious head; yet he cannot refuse your request to return once more to your home and your country, so that you can pay that attention to your personal and private affairs which your long absence and constant employment in the service of your government may now render most necessary.
I have, Sir, to tender you, on behalf of the President, his most cordial good wishes, and am, &c.
FLETCHER WEBSTER, Acting Secretary of State.
LEWIS CASS, ESQ., &c., &c., &c.
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Mr. Webster to General Cass.