17

Memphis Decr. 2. 1859

My dear Pise,

Your's of the 22d. Ult is to
hand - contents duly noted - am
sorry you could not meet the
Com: on the Constitution &c. It's work
is the most important of all, and
I should have been glad myself to
have been upon it. But I was not
thought of I suppose - though I think
I have had more practical ac-
quaintances with that sort of
work, than the large majority of
those appointed, chiefly upon suggestion.
No matter, I hope the work will be done
well done - I have succeeded in pro-
curing from England abundant
& rich materials to inform and
fund the Com: & sent them on to Sa-
vannah.

I have been asked several times
by letter and the same has been
asked orally whether I would be