On last Wednesday I received your letter, and on the Monday before one
from Mr. Burk, from both of which I much regretted to learn of
Simpson's continued ill health. I at once wrote to Orvil, whose
arrival at Galena I learned from Burk's letter, to urge Simpson to
come by steamer to St. Louis and spend some time with me, and if it
should prove necessary for anyone to accompany him, I would take him
home. Cannot Jennie and Orvil's wife come this way when they start for
Galena? We would like very much to see them.
I am not over sanguine of getting the appointment mentioned in my last
letter. The Board of Commissioners, who make the appointment, are
divided,--three free soilers to two opposed,--and although friends who
are recommending me are the very first citizens of this place, and
members of all parties, I fear they will make strictly party
nominations for all the offices under their control. As to the
professorship you speak of, that was filled some time ago. And were it
not, I would stand no earthly chance. The Washington University, where
the vacancy was to be filled, is one of the best endowed institutions
in the United States, and all the professorships are sought after by
persons whose early advantages were the same as mine, but who have
been engaged in teaching all their mature years. Quimby, who was the
best mathematician in my class, and who was for several years an
assistant at West Point, and for nine years a professor in an
institution in New York, was an unsuccessful applicant. The
appointment was given to the most distinguished man in his department
in the country, and an author. His name is Shorano. Since putting in
my application for the appointment of County Engineer, I have learned
that the place is not likely to be filled before February next. What I
shall do will depend entirely upon what I can get to do. Our present
business is entirely overdone in this city, at least a dozen new
houses having started about the same time I commenced. I do not want
to fly from one thing to another, nor would I, but I am compelled to
make a living from the start for which I am willing to give all my
time and all my energy.
Julia and the children are well and send love to you. On your way to
Galena can you not come by here? Write to me soon.