
          Middletown, Ct. April 18, '45

Dear Sir,

A vacancy having occurred
in the professorship of Chemistry [crossed out: of] [added: in] the
Willoughby Medical Instution of Ohio, some
of my friends there have pursuaded me to offer
myself for the place, and desire that I
should obtain such testimonials of my fitness
for [added: it] [crossed out: the plan] as may be advanced.
As it has been my good fortune to form
some acquaintance with yourself in years
past, it would afford me good satisfaction
if you can say a word in my favor in
reference to this matter. There will be considerable
competition for the place, and the
decision, it is expected, will be made before
long, so that a reply at as early a period
as may be convenient, is desirable.

I was in New York last May, and
as I passed by the Medical College. I stepped
in and took a peep at your big gun!
It is a grand affair. Would that I could
ever see it do execution!
        