When I had the pleasure of seeing you in December at Hartford, you induced me to hope the pleasure of your correspondence. I must now solicit you on this Subject; and since the affairs of our country are becoming critical and the neighbourhood in which you reside may unfortunately be the Theatre of intestine war, I intreat you to releive in some Degree the anxiety of an absent citizen by information, even of the most concise nature from post to post, of the Situation of the forces of Government, as well as that of their opponents.(1)

   Be assured that the gratification in your power to afford me in complying with this request, will leave me under the strongest obligations to repay your Goodness.

   With sincere respect I am Dr Sir Affectionately your's, Rufus King

   RC (NHi: King Papers). Addressed: "Thomas Dwight Esqr., Springfield."