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13

Aug 24 8

Nathan C. Ely Esquire

My dear Sir

I desire to assure you of the sincere regret I experience at not having been present at the last meeting of the Farmers Club, over which you so worthily preside; but, I knew nothing of the subject which was to be discussed, until the day after its delivery, I have, however, read & pondered the beautiful address of Dr. Smith; and the report of the entire proceedings is carefully placed in the [archives?] of [this?] Society.

I feel honored beyond my [merit?], and power of acknowledgement, at your flattering allusion to my humble self , on that occasion; because of the assurace it affords me of your distinguihsed approval of what we are doing, for the defense of the defenseless.-

I have the honor to be

dear sir -

your most obt servant

Henry [underlined] Bergh [underlined]