Washington City March 5. 1849 Mary, I have this day attended the inauguration of Gen. Taylor as President. The concourse of people was immense but all passed off [Word] & without accident About 7 o clock this evening I recd. a note from J. M. Clayton calling me immediately to the Presidents house, now possessed by Gen. Taylor, and I went and on going into the Presidents drawing room he directed me to go to the office. On my arrival there I found J. M. Clayton of Delaware, Sec. of State, Mr. meredith of Penn, Sec. of the Treasury, Mr Ewing of Ohio  Secretary of the Interior, Mr. Preston of Virginia Sec. of Navy & Mr. Johnson of Maryland  Atty. General, that is, those gentlemen had been selected by Gen. Taylor for those places in his cabinet. Mr. Clayton, the Secretary of State elect then informed me that Gen. Taylor had selected me for a place in the cabinet  with the Office of Post Master General. These appointments will be presented for con- firmation to the Senate tomorrow and we shall immediately enter our duties. So you see I cannot return to you immediately. I was some time in consultation with those gentlemen before returning to my quarters and  it is now late in the evening and I can say no more. I will soon write you further and  more definitely, probably tomorrow or next day. With my love and blessing to you all good night. Your Affectionate Husband J. Collamer