Your letter of the 23d. should have been sooner answered had it been in my power. but it is of the less importance, as using that frankness which I know you will approve. I do not feel myself free to answer the question you propose. it was taken up by the Senate at the last session: it may be again at this session, and may come to me from one or both houses on an official form. I ought therefore to reserve myself for a free opinion, after I may have heard what is to be said on both sides. at the same time I will freely acknolege I had rather see healing salves applied than the Caustic or knife. but I sufficiently know how hard it is to reconcile ‘the foes who once were friends’. Accept my friendly salutations & assurances of great esteem.