Yours of the 11th instEditorial Note: This letter is not extant., having been forwarded from Andover, reached me a day or two since. I need not say that it would afford me great satisfaction to be able to subserve the interests of any member of your fathers family or that it would gratify me especially if I could render you effectual aid in this hour of your perplexity and trial– I cannot conceive why it is that your husband has not been exchanged under the arrangements entered into many weeks since between Generals DixEditorial Note: John Adams Dix & HillEditorial Note: A. P. Hill. Have any enquiries been addressed to the War Department within one or two Months with reference to Dr Patterson? If so, what answers have been received? You must look to that Depart of course as the only channel of communication which can be useful to you and I do not believe As Written: beleive that any other person can address the Secy, of War upon the subject with so much effect as yourself.

When you see yourAs Written:yr,, father or Mrs Tilton I beg you to present my kindest regards to them—