
          Baltimore Feb. 25. 1862


 My dear Sir


 It is unpleasant to be the herald of unwelcome
 news, but the interest you have manifested
 in my behalf and you co-operation in my effort
 to retain my position under the Gen. Government
 as Special Examiner of Drugs and Medicines for
 this Port renders it proper for me to apprise you
 of the result. I regret to say the effort was unsuccessful
 - I was removed in November last and 
 the place was filled by the appointment of a retail
 druggist whose zeal as a political partisan was 
 admitted as fully compensating for all scientific deficiencies.
 If at any future time returning reason
 should permit our public men to view such questions
 from a different stand point I may be happy to 
 avail myself once more of your valuable assistance 
 to regain what I have thus lost.


 With many thanks for your kindness believe 
 me most respectfully and truly
 your friend and servant
 William E. A. Aiken


 Prof. John Torrey
        