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my son, to get an estimate as correctly as possible, of the loss they may have sustained. It is with real concern that I advert to that part of your letter in whichj you intimate a possibility of your retiring from your present station, and from the cabinate. I was in great hopes when I saw a bill in progress before Congress for an increase of salary to the heads of departments, that it would have passed, and that a sufficiency for your support would at least have been allowed, but to my great regret I have learned that it did not pass. if your comtesmplated retirement is likely to have any unfavorable effect upon the prospect of a certain event to which your friends look forward with much hope and anxiety, I trust you will not suffer any temporary or supportable inconvvenience to operate against you. Your own observation and experience will howevewwr enable you to decide with more propriety than your friends at a distance can. for one I can only say, that I have a sincere desire to see you in the situation alluded to, and that any step which would in the most remotes degeree operate