
          Rec'd. Ans'd.
 March 20 /


 Washington D.C.
 March 19th 57 [1857]


 My Dear Doctor


 As I cannot learn that 
 as yet any nomination has
 been made to West Point I
 begin to think that I ought
 to be a candidate for it. There
 does not appear to be any use
 in waiting in this City for 
 occupation in Chemistry & 
 what I write to you about is
 that if you have not given
 your interest away to any one
 that you would use it for me
        