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2.

    To get this application for delay through so as to do me any good, I must have it at Washington by the 25th of October.  But I suppose the new District [underline] arrangement will delay communications going forward in the regular channel, so, to use in case the original don't get thro' will you please to have Woodward send me as soon as practicable after you get this, an official copy of the "brief" of my application and of your action or endorsement upon it, when it left [strike] leaves your office.
    For many reasons I am sorry not to go back to my post in October.  I have clung to the hope of so doing when I might have known I could not, as it would have been almost too late for me had not this place luckily turned up.   As it is I have come here with the intention of staying till next summer at least, with my present commission if I can, and as a supernumerary "foot pad", if I must.         The sacrifice which I have decided to make it necessary to stay, is evidence enough to show you I have strong reasons for not going West again this Fall.  To explain them fully would be a long and difficult task.    The substance is this, however: 1st.  My business matters are in such shape it won't do for me to leave them.   I have considerable real estate but all subject to right of dower, and it is in the hands of persons as Trustees, Agents, Administrators or whatever you call them, who must be closely looked after.   2nd.  The state of the health of my parents-in-law is such that I feel in duty bound not to take my wife far from them, and I will not go so far and leave her behind.   3rd.  Altho' now doing well, feeling strong & in good care, excellent physicians under whose care I have been since I came East