Nathan Sargent from Caleb Cushing, Feb. 28, 1838

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Washington Feb. 28. 1838

Dear Sir:

I owe you many apologies for having so long delayed replying to your letter.

When I received it, my first impulse was to answer it affirmatively, provided I should be able to find any convenient time to visit Philadelphia.

Afterwards, exigencies of business occurred, rendering it desirable that I should visit Massachusetts, in which case, it was my plan to stop in Philadelphia either in going or returning.

But, unfortunately, towards the end of January, I was seized with a slow fever, which has disabled me for actions exertion ever since, & indeed confined me to my bed for several weeks of its progress.

This circumstance will render it impossible for me to undertake at present anything of the kind you