I received your letter of the 29. ultimo with every wish to attempt a compliance with its request; but for some days past I have been suffering under a bilious attack now confining me to my bed which disqualifies me from mental exertion, as my rheumatism does my hands and fingers from the search into papers which are voluminous and without an index; whilst My recollection affords me no sufficient aid on the sub occasion. I might add that the proceedings of Congress on the subject of the apportionment not having been included in my limited reading I am the less prepared to form opinions on any of the questions belonging to it.

I beg you to be assured, my dear Sir, of the regret I feel at the necessity of giving such an answer to your enquiries, to which under other circumstances I should feel it a duty as well as pleasure to have paid all the attention due to the object of them. Be assured also of the continuance of my high esteem and cordial regards.