
          its reception been even acknowledged.
Perhaps he was too sick towards the last
to attend to it.

The last paragraph in your letter
dictated no doubt by a friendly interest
which I highly appreciate requires a 
reply. I have delayed writing in order
to give the matter full consideration,
& I have come to the conclusion that
I ought not to have my name presented
as a candidate for the chair of
Botany in either of the colleges.

It is true, the acceptance of such a position
would give me the opportunity to
be useful to the measure of my ability
& after some time be receiving a
permanent means of living (which is
never an important matter to me) but
there are considerations of a private &
personal nature which have brought me
to the conclusion that I ought not
        