"I owe you a very humble apology for not having earlier acknowledged
your first communication and the receipt of the first number of your
work, which you were so kind as to send me. I was absent on a very long
journey when they reached my residence, and then my reply fell into the
ever open grave of deferred duties. I have since been gratified to hear
from various sources that your enterprise was succeeding. It could
hardly be otherwise, if you could once rouse the minds in your
beautiful state, where inspiring subjects every where abound. Your
request is very flattering to me, and I should most willingly comply
with it, but that I have at present more work on my hands than I have
energy to accomplish. At some future time, should you continue to
desire my services, it will give me pleasure to render them."