By the mail of this day I was honored with your private and confidential communication1 and while I am sensible of the distinguished proof of respect and confidence which it conveys, I regret my incompetency to the task of elucidating a subject of so much interest and intricacy; nevertheless my best efforts shall be directed to the investigation in the manner you desire and with as little delay as the avocations of my itinerant pursuits will admit.

I am fully sensible of the delicate nature of the subject and shall observe the strictest privacy and circumspection in the execution of the trust. With the highest regard I am very respectfully yours