Nathan Sargent from Edward Everett, February 20, 1835

              [Page 1]

Washington 20 Feby. 1835

Dear Sir,

I duly received yours of the 11th.  I have since that time been a good deal out of health, & almost broken down by the weight of public business & private correspondence.  I hope you will consider this, as an excuse for my not writing.  Your suggestion relative to letters from Washington to the country papers in your state shall, as far as possible, be attended to.  We will also have documents forwarded to them.

Your remark relative to the tardiness of our movements in New England are just.  It is partly in the nature of the People; - partly produced by a paralyzing Clay influence; - and still more by the impracticability of Masons & Antimasons.  The vote of Vermont & R Island is controlled or decided by the Antimasons.  They are all with us or almost all, - but some of their leaders make great mischief.  They will not let any body lead & hardly let any body follow.  But we hope things are working right in Vermont; &