
          Washington Monday
Nov 22nd 1858

My Dear Dr

Your letters were duly received
but the Secretary is now
so much occupied, in the preparation
of his Report to Congress, that
he cannot be [crossed out: ?] seen on ordinary
business. I have had however
as interview with the assistant
secretary on the subject of your communication
in which he expressed
himself freely as to the impropriety
of removing on political grounds
persons of importance in the discharge
of the responsible duties of the
establishment. He thought Mr
B. had no right to make such
        