As I shall not be here to witness your approaching triumph, permit me to congratulate you in advance. I rejoice in it sincerely, personally, politically and (knowing how much it will vex those who ought to be vexed) I must confess somewhat maliciously. There is however one drawback upon my satisfaction we shall not see you at Washington for as I go out you will come in & we may not meet except perhaps on the road. I see <Russel> is about publishing Clays personal correspondence. This mode of conducting our political warfare is very much to be regreted. Its effects on our national character as well as on the state of our society are most injurious & I would for my own part forego any party advantage that was only to be purchased by such unworthy means. If there are any cases which justify it they are few and retaliation is not one of them. I wish our friends could in this contest have abstained from the <use> of such personal weapons.

I shall leave here in a very few days for New Orleans to which place if you can find time when the returns are coming it to direct me a line communicating the result you will greatly Oblige me.