1

Athens Tenn. May 23^d 1829

Dear Genl

I regret the circumstances which have im
posed upon you the duties of Governor of Tennessee
Poor Houston he rose like the flames of the morn to
perish with the mid-day sun It is on his account
and not yours that I have my regrets- You will I have no
doubt believe me me sincere when I say to you that it
would afford me much pleasure to have it in my power
to address you as the Governor of Tennessee elected by
the suffrage of the people instead of having the office
cast upon you by act and opperation [sic] of Law And
I believe if you could get the better of your almost uncon
querable modesty that you could be made the Governor of
Tennessee when you should choose to tender your service
But as the stern decrees of fate had been sent forth
against Houston I am truly glad that Tennessee had
such a Patriot at the head of her Senate to receive into
his hands the Executive reins Because I know you will
impartially administer the Affairs of the state which fall
within the Executive sphere- Under this knowledge
of your worth I shall present the application of
my friend Elihu S. Barclay esqr for the office of
Solicitor General of the Solicitorial District composed