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[It was witnessed by Helen R. M. Lossingand Y. L. Perine. In [1844] Perine published History of New York Cityby Benson John Lossing; illustrations were engraved on steel by Perine.]

[Says Harper and Brothersare about to put his Pictorial Field Book of the War of 1812in type. Mentions an included sketch of the history of the two political parties of that time. Asks where he can find a copy of a 7-29-1792 letter from George Washingtonto Alexander Hamiltonregarding Hamilton's uttering of "Shameless political sentiment. Mentions: A Youth's History of the Great Civil War in the United States from 1861 to 1865by Rushmore G. Horton. ]

[Mentions seeing the prints of ? "Diez" at Mr. Pierson's, the engraver. Says he told Pierson to send Jones 36 copies without charge and wonders if Jones received them.]

[Mentions his failure to acknowledge McAllister's letter with an offer of assistance. Thanks him for the photo of Bishop Potter ( ? Alonzo Potteror Horatio Potter). Says he's busy readying volume 1 of his Pictorial History (later Field Book) of the Civil War in the United States of America, (probably) for the press. Mentions that Lewis "Lew" Wallaceand his wife Susan Arnold Wallaceare their guests and that he spent the day before with Gen. Crawford (probably Samuel Wylie Crawford). Expresses hope for restoration of Mrs. McAllister's health and says a visit at Benson John Lossing's in the fall should be the finishing touch. Mentions: Fanny.]

[Answers a June 1866 letter which had arrived while he was in the South and had just surfaced. Says he wrote to Brantz Mayerfor Etting's address. Encloses some photographs and returns the autographs of Count Rumford (pseudonym of Benjamin Thompson). Speaks of his procrastination in making a drawing of the seal, but says he has now done both it and the signature. Asks if he has the motto on the ribbon, tells how he reads it and questions the repeat of the word "lege." Mentions Edward Young. ]

[Asks for a promotion for William Henry? Adriance to lieutenant in the 24th (Oswego) regiment. Mentions his bravery in "the late 3 days' battles in Virginia. " Gives background of attempts by others to gain his promotion. Mentions: Dewitt Clinton Littlejohn, Col. Rotch (in other handwriting in upper left corner.)]

[Describes his efforts, long hours and strain, in writing his recent books. Speaks of visit to the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibitionwhere "[we] spent the evening at Mr. Drexel's who gave a reception to Dom Pedro." Says his latest work The American Centenarywas issued in a superb and too costly volume---$20 in `half-calf' and muslin and contains . . . a great deal from my storehouse of facts."]