[note on envelope]: Mr. Brewster¹

Friend McQuesten,

After so long a separation and silence you may perhaps have forgotten that you have such a friend or acquaintance as Webster. But learning that you are in Washington engaged in the same pursuit with myself,² I venture to improve the present favourable opportunity to break the silence and address one with whom I passed so many pleasant hours during our academic course. Various changes have taken place since we left the Academy at H., but the most important and the most solemn and distressing is that made in that institution by the death of our worthy and beloved preceptor Chase. The circumstances of whose death you have probably heard. The institution is again open under very favourable circumstances, upward of 70 students at present. I have since I saw you passed your Father's several times, should have called but was informed that you was absent. I did however call as I passed last spring but did not find you. But learned that you expected to commence the Study of Medicine. I am now engaged in the same study in my second year. It is indeed a long course to travel.

I commenced my letter as you perceive. Sometime since I then expected an opportunity to send is [sic] but was disappointed. Mr. Brewster who I expect will be the bearer of this expects to go next week and as I expect to leave town tomorrow for a few days I hasten to close this.

I have nothing of importance to communicate. Do you expect to attend a course of lecture this fall? Shall you go to Hanover? I have not determined whether to go or not. If I go I shall perhaps see you there as I pass Washington--Excuse the haste in which I write and let me hear from you by the return of the bearer.

Very respectfully,

Your friend in haste

E. V. Webster.

¹ This note on the envelope refers to the person who has been entrusted to deliver the letter in person.

² Calvin McQuesten graduated with a teaching certificate in 1825 and, in 1827, he began studies for a medical degree, from which he graduated in 1830.