I received yesterday your letter of the 29th. Ult, and will with frankness answer your enquiry.

From the commencement of the discussions concerning the presidential election I have been (as I now am) fully satisfied that Mr Crawford is desirous not to be brought forward for the presidency. I have been (as I now am) opposed to his name being put in competition for the office.

With regard to the views and intentions of the members of congress generally, I am less qualified to give correct information than others.

So much importance has been attached to my observations, and my feelings have been so much annoyed by newspaper representations, that I have determined to avoid all conversation on the subject.

I wish for the future to be excluded from the newspapery, at least in reference to the election of President.