But his family would not hear of his exposure in the fatal climate of the American Isthmus.

Moreover, he pleaded his ignorance of the Spanish language as a sufficient excuse for declining the mission,--an example which has not been followed in later days.
_Minister to England_ In the spring of 1826 Mr.Rufus King, who had taken the place of Mr.
Rush at London, that gentleman having been called to the Treasury by President Adams, fell ill, and requested the assistance of an extraordinary envoy.

Mr.Gallatin accepted the mission.

Before his nomination reached the Senate Mr.King's resignation was received and accepted.

President Adams wishing to intrust Mr.Gallatin alone with the pending negotiations, and unwilling to make the two nominations of minister and envoy, proposed to Mr.Gallatin to take the post of minister, with powers to negotiate, and liberty to return when the negotiations should be finished.