I thank you for your kind congratulation of the Feby. 17—which you have fortified with so many strong reasons, none of which <I> can I contradict, or wish to refute; I have great reason to believe that the public opinion has changed with respect to me, since the year 98—great numbers have since been convinced that I saved this Country from a ruinous Foreign and Civil war, and some of them acknowledge it, candidly and frankly—

Your friends here are all well—and My family send you kind Salutation to which I add those of your affectionate / friend & Uncle