
          Washington D.C.
 April 9. 1859


 My Dear Doctor


 Your note of the date of the 
 [?] instant came duly though slowly
 at hand. I am sorry that your efforts
 for Schaeffer has been to so little advantage
 Our own have not been [crowned?] with any
 advantage. Some time ago (weeks) it was
 proposed to open a copyright room in this
 Interior department & Schaeffer thought such
 a place might be suitable. I went about 
 with a minimal to the Secty [Secretary] setting forth his
 destitute condition & begging almost for God's
 sake to appoint him, had it signed by the
 whole of the Examining [?] (some 30 names)
 & presented - but without any good result.
 Political influence & not charity rules here
 with regard to the Annapolis Affair I am
 afraid that nothing can be done: Prof Henry
 moved in S's [Schaeffer?] favor but the Secty [Secretary] of the 
 Navy informed some friends of mine that
 altho' [although] he was willing to receive recommendations
        