University of Virginia Library

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230

LETTER CLXXX.

I wish I had it in my power to make a more suitable return
for your letters; but my nerves are shattered, and the
climate is truly Cimmerian. We are more than dull here—
we are gloomy. Last night, we lost another of our members:
Mr. Slocum, of North Carolina. I have been meditating a
Christmas visit to Oakland, but the weather has interposed its
veto. Mean while, our "mess" is dispersing itself to Philadelphia,
&c., leaving me, as usual, in the minority.

Remember me to all who care for me. I need not specify
them. Tell Gilmer that I received his letter of the 18th, a
few minutes since, and thank him sincerely for it. Mr. T.
and Mr. S., of New York, have read his pamphlet, and expressed
very great delight at it. He would not be displeased
at the warmth with which they commend the style, the research
and argument of the author, in which they heartily
concur. It is, at present, in the hands of Mr. K., of New
York.

If T. be in Richmond, ask him "if he has forgotten me?"
God bless you. Let me hear from you as often as convenient.