I assure you sir that it is with feelings of reserve that I now intrude myself upon your notice, knowing of your extreme age and thinking it also difficult for you to write. But yet being advised by my friends to write to you for the purpose of getting your Autograph I would take this opportunity of politely requesting it. The reason why I wish for it is that I am making an Autograph Book and wish to collect the Autographs of all the distinguished men of our Country.

I am but a youth of 12 years but yet I hope that you would not pass this by on this account. Your obt servant