If I do not estimate wrongly the relation in which you & I stand to each other, I am not about to take an unwarrantable liberty. Notwithstanding we have differed in opinion as to men, on my part (& I trust the feeling is reciprocal) I have entertained towards ^you^ feelings of perfect good will & amity. I am not going to ask a personal favor, but merely an act of generous magnanimity. My brother in law John M. Cranfield is Collector at Sackets Harbour, & I think will be renominated. Now I state to you unequivocally that he is a most upright man, & perfectly competent to the trust. He is by no means a noisy politician, tho’ he has his opinions, & would not forgo them for any office. He has been <illegible> wickedly & shamelessly assailed on his nomination for this very office. Mr Crawford sustained him most manfully, well knowing his worth & <illegible> character. I ask it of you as an act of justice, if he should be nominated & again assailed that you will let him or me know the grounds of attack & give time to have them answered.

Do not misunderstand ^me^ in saying I do not ask a personal favor of you, that I mean to say I would not if my situation & circumstances required it. On the contrary I know of no man with whom I differ as to men, of whom I would sooner ask a personal favor, but I hope never to be obliged to make that requisition of any one.

Can you tell me, (for I have a curiosity to know) whether your colleague is for or against the administration? You know that you may safely say to me what you please.