It gives me great pleasure to be the medium of conveying to you a gold medal, commemorating the opening of the Erie Canal, presented by the Corporation of the City of Newyork and transmitted to me by the Recorder. I must however express my sincere regret that the late hour at which it was received should have deprived me of the pleasure I had promised myself, of delivering it in person and compelled me to enlist the services of your Representative Mr. Taylor who has politely taken charge of it. You will oblige me by informing me, at Newyork, when it reaches you. I am with very great respect Yr mo obt Sert