i was exceedingly sorry to miss you, but i had gone out on some errand. i made my plans to look in on you, but they were broken up by a succession of business engagements, one lapping upon the other, and i failed to get there at last. what i wanted with the general, was his assistance in keeping howells’s father from being turned out of his toronto consulate; and with his usual prompt and indestructible generosity, he came to the rescue. i tried to save him the trouble of writing me a letter, by shoveling the matter on to your shoulders, as you remember; but i did not succeed, for he wrote me anyhow; but we must stop him next time. in about a week from now, you ask him if he has heard from president arthur; then you tell me what he says, and if gen. grant had any intention of writing me, we will fore-stall him. my nephew webster wants me to ask you for a note of introduction to gov. cornell. i said he had better call on you, and state his case, and then you would know whether to give him one or not, and you would also be able to tell him, whether his proposed visit to the governor, is wise or other-wise. do you ever need a days rest?.Ⓐemendation i wish you would come up here the first chance you get, and let us have a leisurely talk and smoke together; you know i can talk to you easier, than i can practiseⒶemendation on you with the type writer.