In this 1841 letter to David Burford, James Polk asks Burford to reconsider his decision to abandon his political aspirations. Polk feels that the upcoming elections in Tennessee are of particular importance, and hopes that Burford will consent to be nominated for Senator. He also discusses the general political climate and asks Burford if he believes Mr. Allen, an exceedingly wealthy and popular man in Smith, can be convinced to run for office. Finally, Polk touches on his own political career, saying that although he does not yet know who will run against him for Governor, he will "meet him as soon as he chooses to take the field and ensure that he shall not have a day's start of me in the canvass."