RK-750

Smithsonian Feb 24th 1858

Dear Father [circled] 57

I was last night until midnight at the capitol listening to a debate in the Senate - Kansas, of course, the subject. A great deal of eloquence fired with blank cartridges. I heard Hale, Doolittle, Trumbull, Smith of Oregon and a lot more and thought less of each after hearing him - except Hale perhaps - They are bound to do very little work this session -

Wish you would tell me the particulars of the defeat of my bill in Ill legislature - I cant find the papers here -

I went to the last President's levee on Tuesday night and was in the biggest crush I ever saw - ladies fainted in the crowd.

Next week there will be parties innumerable - after that "the season" is done, - closing with the session. Glad of it for this party going takes too much time o'nights.

The Megatheria are all well and send regards -

Tell Laurence I got his letter some time since and ought to have answered it ere this - I suppose he has got the Pat. Off. Rep. as Farnsworth promises to send it

Glorious weather here - warm as April

Yesterday I was at the Navy yard saw em making cannon, oars, pallets and all manner of things

Carabus Ulke and brother always send regards - Baird's & Henrys send

numerous kind messages whenever you are mentioned - Carabus has a good picture of himself and b broth er to send to The Grove first chance -

Love to all Bob

[circled] 58