I should not write you this letter and have asked you to destroy it but in view of your demonstrated loyalty to me and my regard for you I would be more than a scoundrel if I did not tell you in strict confidence that I heard Preston Gibson over at Rutland while somewhat exhilarated and very talkative tell a perfect stranger to me but I presume somebody he knew that Father is having a hell-uv-of-a time with his clerks. He doesn't know what to do, we think he better have a man. He would get rid of Miss Northrup if it was not that he was afraid he would lose Chittenden County. We have seen her back down there but what father will do or say when he gets home I don't know".

I immediately interjected into the discussion some other matters but I went right out and wrote down what he said. I feel that you ought to know this disturbing as it may be. It may mean nothing or something. I paid more attention to it under the circumstances than I might if he had been cold and sober because of course he was very indiscreet. You have the information but I must impress upon you the fact that Preston would very easily identify me as your informant as I gave him a very nasty look and told him that of course what his Father might or might not do with respect to his office affairs doesn't concern me and I did not care to discuss it and proceeded to change the subject. "Instructor" so you know and can govern yourself accordingly and under no circumstances should you disclose what you have the information which I am furnishing.

have meeting "in Rutland" refers to or Nov on 8 or 9 .