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My recovery is going on slowly. I am able to sit up a good part of the day & am assured that time only is needed to complete any restoration to health.

I am trying to get on fast enough to go to Maine in season for the coming election, but I am afraid I shall fail in that. However I have been doing what I could here, looking up soldiers in the hospital who are true to the country's cause in order to have them sent home to vote.

I hope the prospect is good for us, but I feel that every one should do all he can to keep old Maine steady in the front rank of patriots.

Allow me to thank you for your letter -- hearty and affectionate beyond the custom of epistles of condolence or congrat-ulation, even among friends. I assure you I place this among my treasures and trophies -- kept for my children -- & not the least (if you will permit me) among the "laurels" of which you so kindly speak.