Your letter of the 26th Jany was delivered to me by Mr Just. Story & I owe you an apology for the delay which has taken place in answering it. The truth is that at the living under the same roof the important cases which the Judges have had to examine & discuss in conference diverted the attention of the C. Justice & myself from the subject insomuch that it is but lately that we had an opportunity of conversing upon it.

Your letter of the 26th January was handed me by Mr Justice Story, and I owe you an apology for the delay which has taken place in answering it. The truth is that, although living under the same roof, the important cases which the Judges have had to examine and discuss in conference, diverted the attention of the C. Justice & myself from the subject, insomuch, that it is but lately that we had an opportunity of conversing upon it.