_New York_, ----.
_My Dear Sir_,--I owe you a very humble apology for not answering
sooner your flattering epistle of the -- ult. The truth is, being from
home when your letter reached my residence, my reply fell into the
ever open grave of deferred duties.
As regards the information you desire I regret that it is out of my
power to aid you. My studies and pursuits {208} have been directed, of
late years, in so very different a channel, that I am by no means _au
fait_ on the particular subject you mention. Believe me, with earnest
wishes for your success,
Very respectfully yours,
[Illustration: CM Sedgwick]