Because my wife and I are ill, I can in but a few lines confirm to your excellency that I received and thank him for the letter with which he honored me on the date of the 25th of the past month. Its contents, as wise as they are obliging, and with orders I shall see to, gives me hope that those upon whom my fate and honor depend will take care of the one and the other without getting involved in national affairs which do not concern them. For, as an innocent man, I am always prepared to respond to any meaningful question put to me. Not only my present weakness, but discretion in every regard, prevents me from adding anything further other than our wishes for the well-being of your excellency and his family, and the sincere respect that I will have for him as long as he lives, your excellency’s most humble and most obedient servant