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Po'keepsie April 7th, 1849.
A.B. Durand Esq.
Pres. National Acad. of Design._

My dear Sir,

Will you be so good as to put upon the list of Honorary Members to be voted for at the next election the name of Erastus D. Palmer. Mr. Palmer is a man of unquestionable genius; he has exercised his artistic talent chiefly in the sculpture of Conchiglias, but recently, in consequence of his eyes being affected by the fineness of the work, he has executed a bust of life size in Albany which is spoken of as possessing the highest merit by those in whose judgement I have the fullest confidence.

I feel that in electing him you will not only do the Academy honor, but at this moment will encourage the heart of a very worthy man, who, like most men of genius, is subject to turns of depression. In appealing, therefore, to the gentleman of the Academy in this case, I know I [[strikethrough]] am [[/strikethrough]] appeal to their own experience, and their ready sympathies. 

An exile from Art, I yet feel, and hope always to feel a deep interest in the welfare individually as well as collectively of my former brethren of the Academy. -

With the highest personal regard
Y. Friend & Servt. 
Sam F.B. Morse