1844.
GALLATIN TO ALBERT DAVY.
New York, 28th December, 1843.
Dear Sir,—My son James has shown to me your letter to him of 25th of this month, received yesterday. It seems hardly necessary to make a serious answer to it. Yet, as silence might be misconstrued, I have only to say that I want no office, and that to accept at my age that of Secretary of the Treasury would be an act of insanity. I cannot indeed believe that this has been seriously contemplated by anybody: you must have misunderstood the person who spoke to you. I might give conclusive reasons why, even if I was young and able, I would not at this time be fit for the office, nor the office at all suit me; but this is not called for.
I remain, with great regard, dear sir,
Your obedient servant.
JOHN BARNEY TO ALBERT GALLATIN.
Washington, January 24, 1844.
My dear Sir,—I have been applied to by one of the President’s family to know if you would accept the Treasury Department. If you would, I am assured that it will be tendered to you so soon as vacated by the confirmation of Mr. Spencer.
This last letter is tersely endorsed by Mr. Gallatin: “Folly, of which no notice taken.”