252 Twenty-third Report on the State Cabinet. 



have done it, so far as in my power ; and it would liave given me great 

 pleasure to show my good will toward every member of a corps with 

 whose former chief I have been for more than thirty years in nninter- 

 lupted friendly and harmonious intercourse ; and always in more or 

 less intimate relations of friendship with every member of the staif, 

 except Mr. Billings, who has chosen for himself an attitude of hostihty 

 without any reason or cause of provocation on my part. 



With regard to the accusations and insinuations of dishonest pur- 

 poses and practices, to which I at first felt inclined to reply, I shall say 

 nothing at this time. 



Albany, N. Y., May, 1872. 



