"NEW YORK, _Jan. 6th, 1859_.
"MY DEAR CASSIDY,--I was so occupied at the time I reced. your letter
that I did not get a chance to answer it before the election, and since
that time I have been in an ice-pack of engagements which accumulated
around me in a ten-days' career as a politician.
"I sympathize entirely with your feelings in respect to our friend
Church. I do not know whether your suggestions applied only to the
contingency of my election as counsel to the corporation. Even if they
did, I should be happy to see him, and, if there is anything within
my power remaining--to serve him. I have just returned from Phil. and
write without your letter before me."