S. T. Mason arrived here yesterday. I had immediately a conversation with him on the resignation he had meditated. he finally promised to serve again if reelected, and that he would1 write to you to say so for him. lest he should delay it, I drop you this line, but you must not name me as the channel because of the ground it furnishes our enemies for clamour. accept assurances of my constant & affectionate esteem.