John Tyler letter to John Calhoun, 6 March 1844

(Confidential) Washington, March 6th 1844.

MY DEAR SIR, After a free and frank conversation with our friends, Governor McDuffie and Mr Holmes of South Carolina, and in full view of the important negociation now pending between us and foreign Governments, I have unhesitatingly nominated you this day as Secretary of State in place of my much lamented friend, Judge Upshur. I have been prompted to this course by reference to your great talents and deservedly high standing with the Country at large. We have reached a great crisis in the condition of public affairs, which, I trust, will assume the place of a commanding epoch in our Country's history. The annexation of Texas to the Union, and the settlement of the Oregon question on a satisfactory basis, are the great ends to be accomplished: The first is in the act of competition and will admit of no delay. The last had but barely opened, when death snatched from me my lamented friend. Do I expect too much of you when I, along with others, anticipate at your hands, a ready acquiescence in meeting my wishes, by coming to the aid of the Country at this important period?

While your name was before the Country, as a prominent Candidate for the Presidency, I could not have urged this request without committing alike an offence to yourself and many others; but now, since your friends have withdrawn your name from that exciting canvass, I feel it every way due to the Country to seek to avail myself, in the administration of public affairs, of your high and exalted talents.

I hope 'the action of the Senate will be as prompt as my own, and that you will immediately be at my side.

JOHN TYLER.