I am just now recovering from the third long & dangerous illness which I have had within the last 12. months. while I was able I answered all letters punctually. but age, it’s ordinary infirmities, & extraordinary visitations of sickness have so broke me down that I am no longer able to maintain any correspondence by letters but such as my own affairs render indispensable. I hope you will recieve this as an apology for my not having answered your first letter with the assurance of my respect.