
          Five or 6 weeks ago I spoke to Mr. Clayton
 again about it when he told me to write 
 him a letter about it which I did; some 
 days after he brought me into Major Bowman's
 room & talked to him of it when I first
 learned your name in connexion [connection] with it.
 In the conversation Mr. B. said that he had 
 spoken to Mr Butterworth about doing it 
 under your supervision & that he Mr. Butterworth
 did not seem overanxious to have it done at 
 the assay office. I asked Major B. if
 you had personally moved in the matter or
 sought for it - he said not, and he also said
 that the Secretary was desirous to have the
 work done in Baltimore by a late [Assecl.?]
 Chemist of the City. As you had not personally 
 moved & as a 3rd party was in the field I
 pressed my own suit, but have heard
 nothing more about the matter. I have no
 expectation of receiving the business. It 
 will be a large & rather vague field to enter
 upon.


 I think it but right to you to notify 
 you what I have done in this respect.
 I should not have thought inserted: of applying for] it had it not
 been for Mr. Clayton and should have with

        