on receiving your letter I began enquiry in regard to the functionary you have named -- I have effected but little as yet, but shall persevere -- My own acquaintance with the gentleman is very limited -- & I never heard him speak on politics -- I have now a letter before me--(confidential) in answer to one written by me, which gives pretty much the same account you have given--but all -- I have little--if any doubt, as to the views of the man--that they are quite on "the sunny south" side, but unless I can lay my hand on something positive, I must forbear making charges -- I know several persons who have been rather intimate with him--and shall see some of them soon--they are not now in Florence --

Depend upon it, I shall be busy--until I am satisfied that we have, or have not a in charge of our affairs at Leghorn.

I have much to write to you. This is only an acknowledgement of your letter--a thousand kind words from us all, to you and yours,

References in this letter:

John Joseph Hughes (1797-1864), a native of Ireland who emigrated to the United States in 1817, was the first Catholic archbishop of New York, raised to that position in 1850. He was an ardent supporter of the Union in the Civil War.

Robert M. Walsh was U.S. consul at Leghorn (Livorno) until removed from his position by President Lincoln because of his Southern sympathies, after which he settled in Florence.