Your dispatch of July 26th reached me on the 22nd August as follows:

“You are chosen General Secretary American Freedmen’s Aid Union salary seven thousand (7,000) Bellows and Godkin advising answer.”

The line was not working through for sometime afterwards and when its business was resumed was occupied several days with accumulated dispatches. Under these circumstances, being then in San Francisco, I thought it best to wait until the arrival from Bear Valley of my letters by the following steamer’s mail, before replying. On the 30th having heard nothing further from you, I telegraphed as follows: “I decline.”

I have today received your favor of July 27th.

None I think can estimate at a higher value, the honor and the opportunity, to a competent man, of usefulness presented in the office you offer me. But I do not think that its duties should be undertaken without strong and inspiring confidence of a good acquittal of the responsibility involved, and I do not think myself able to engage in them with this confidence. For this and for other reasons, unnecessary to be enumerated, I feel compelled to decline the very generous proposition of the Union.

I regret exceedingly that the interruption of the telegraph will have occasioned so long a suspense of final action in regard to the office.

A proposition from the Editor of the Nation is associated with that of the Union. I regard the promise of the Nation as one of the happiest signs of the increased disposition to think thoroughly, calmly, fairly and courageously to which our countrymen have been brought by the Slaveholders Rebellion. Its influence in giving practical coherence to the convictions of thoughtful but busy men, is already perceptable even in California. The enterprise commands my highest interest, respect, and confidence and I shall be most happy if I can serve it in any manner.