WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 9th, 1856.
DEAR SIR:--I was unavoidably prevented yesterday, from replying to yours
of 6th instant, and although I have made inquiries, I am unable
_to-day_, to answer your questions satisfactorily. Although I know some
of the residents of Loudon county, and have often visited there, still I
have not practiced much in the Courts of that county. There are several
of my acquaintances here, who have lived in that county, and _possibly_,
through my assistance, your commissions might be executed. If a better
way shall not suggest itself to you, and you see fit to give me the
_facts_ in the case, I can better judge of my ability to help you; _but
I know not the man resident there, whom I would trust with an important
suit_. I think it is now some four or five weeks since, that some
packages left this vicinity, said to be from fifteen to twenty in
number, and as I suppose, went through your hands. It was at a time of
uncommon vigilance here, and to me it was a matter of extreme wonder,
_how and through whom_, such a work was accomplished. Can you tell me?
It is _needful_ that I should know! Not for curiosity merely, but for
the good of others. An enclosed slip contains the _marks_ of one of the
packages, which you will read and then _immediately burn_.
If you can give me any light that will _benefit others_, I am sure you
will do so.
A traveler here, _very reliable_, and who knows his business, has
determined not to leave home again till spring, at least not without
extraordinary temptations.