Had it not been for the improvement in our social relations I would not say to you what I am about to say; and I would not even now if I were not quite certain that it will be recd in the proper spirit. You see the attempts which have been made & are making all over the Union to impress the belief that I am involved by the in consequence of the failure of Mr Knower. No sooner is one story put down, than they get up another, how it so happens that I am not on any man’s paper, that I owe no man any thing except the <illegible> Bank, a few dollars for ready money in anticipation of that that is due me for interest: and that I am under no pecuniary responsibility for any human being (a slight one for my son excepted) unless it be for you. It would be agreeable, at some time, and may become desirable, that I should authorize this to be said Now what I want you to inform me of is whether or not, I am still on your official Board?; and if so, whether it or not it will be perfectly agreeable and advisable for you to substitute some other of your friends in my place? You must deal frankly with me in this matter; and if there is the slightest objection to it, think no more of it, and be assured that I will not. If I notice this subject at all, I should like to make clear work of it, and this is the only measure which has induced me to write this Letter. Remember me kindly to Mrs Worth & believe me to be