RK-416

Home, Marion Co Ill Dec 29. 1857.

Mr. Robt. Kennicott

Washington D. C.

Dear Sir

At the suggestion of your father & very much in accordance with my own feelings I forward you letters of introduction to L.D. Campbell & Robt. Smith Esqs. Members of the House in present Congress – I think I might safely presume to send you letters to Saml Marshall E. B. Washburne & I. N. Morris Esqs. also members with whom I have some acquaintance. Should you wish them let me know –

They may be of no par-

=ticular service further than to give you an oppor=tunity for conversation with those gentlemen should occasion require but even that may aid you - & it may be well to remember the ‘Young American’ adage “Modesty adorns a woman but ruins a man” – I would change it somewhat by striking out ‘modesty’ & inserting diffidence so far man is concerned –

Did I ever acknowledge recpt. of the nice fossils? Well I got them & am much pleased with them indeed –

In haste Yours truly John P. Reynolds