On writing this date I perceive it is the anniversary of my arrest twelve years ago, and my purpose now it is to say I hope most anxiously that it may be in your power to save me from being again arrested — not by law legal, but law circumstantial, the stern law of necessity.
While I was [winging?] hither from you on Friday, Alfred was progressing from hence — When I heard his knock last night I expected he was the bearer from you of the last news. To my sorrow I found he had not been to [ ] Street, but he gave me a reason for his absence which I was enforced to be satisfied with, though the lapse occasioned me increased anxiety. He will explain to you, as he did to me — and I send him only in consequence of the exigency that presses on me with a weight almost beyond endurance, and from which if you can, by hook or by crook, relieve me, I shall be at peace & say God bless you
I wish Charley was here to see the fruit blossoms, & bud-burstings, & hear the Birds, as I do from the window I now write at.
[Addressed for hand delivery:]
For
Δ
Behnes Esq.