Doct. McQuesten
Dear Sir

Yours to me on event of the [?] dispen. [sic] news was duly recd [sic].

I have no knowledge or information as to the matter mentioned except only that I understand that no application ante dated yours two or three years. I am not informed except by your letter that the recovery has been [written?].

Whatever the commitee may have done, I cannot think they have acted from improper motives or intentionally done you injustice or been discourteous.

I think the priority of application has been the single repose upon which the selection has turned. If you know of any fact tending to show that you have not been treated courteously you did not mention such.

You should bear in mind that to make a selection in such a case is a difficult and delicate task and often circumstances may not be known to the council which if known might induce a different result. But one person can be selected which leaves an other [?].

Upon reflection you may look upon the matter with less feeling.

I regret your resignation and think you have acted hastily and without suffficient cause.

I do not write this to console you: you may be right and I be wrong!

Yours Truly
F.E. Mathews

New York June 13 1870