RK-834

125

Chicago. Ills Decr.[?] 1862

David McMurray. Esqr.

My unworthy Classmate.

This puts upon good terms with you, Mr Robert Kennicott, our "cunning[?] man". I believe you dabble in Science, & I know he does, which will make a common platform at once between you. At the same time I advise you both not to commence any conver- sation on such subjects, as they are so interminable and so fruitless of any good results. If however you disregard this good advice, you may ask him about the warm blooded birds in the frozen zone from which he has just returned. If I remember, you collect a lot of grad frind[?] facts yearly for the Smithsonian. He has had some connection with that & so you may discuss and puff[?] the institution together.

You know I dont pre n[strikethrough] tend to know anything about science & that ilk. Law is the only beautiful thing in the world when you come right down to other facts and, therefore, I ask your good services on Mr. Kennicott's behalf, because he is really, outside of scienctific nonsense, a real good fellow, whom you would be glad to know; and I shall be obliged & regard this letter as a matter of obligation to yourself rather than to the one who was of old & still is proud to be

Your personal adherent & Very good friend - James T. Ely