Washington DC

April 4th 1844.

Private

Dear General

Up to this time we have

taken no positive steps in the negotiation;

Mr Calhoun has been reading and preparing

himself upon the subject. In an interview

on today he expressed his readiness to proceed

with the discussion tomorrow morning. He

further remarked after reading the points

agreed upon between Judge Upshur and

myself that he was of opinion no difficulty

would arise between him and Genl H[enderson] &

myself[.] The preliminary movements

discussed between Judge Upshur and

myself and afterwards between Dr Jones

and Genl Murphy as to the disposition

of the military & naval force will receive the

assent of the President as well as Mr

Calhoun. Mr Calhoun remarked that

he was astonished that any one should

stickle upon the subject— — — —