I have received yours covering your communications to Washington for which I sincerely thank you. Whatever may ^be^ the result I can now have no hesitation in believing that the circumstance of having my name mentioned must be highly advantageous to me. On the other side you have a copy of the letter rcd. to day from the Secretary. I am sorry for the delay for it increases the difficulties of my situation by forcing me so to act as will effectually repel the presumption that I am induced to keep aloof with a view to this matter