I received yours of the 7th inst. and in reply inform you that no law regulating town sites has yet passed Congress, but I hope will before the close of the session; although there is a great deal of suspicion and distrust among the members in relation to town-sites, the persons interested being received more as mindless than honest men This creates a great difficulty in the way of passing any general law. But I hope that we shall be able to succeed.

I have labored very hard during the present session and I am truly glad that the day of rest is so near, for I need it. Hoping to see you soon, I remain

Truly yours
J. W. Whitfield

J. A. Halderman, Esq