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via Asia [underscored] New York 20 July 1863 Monday afternoon

F[ontaine]. Maury Jr. Esq[uire] L[iver]pool]

Dear Fontaine

Your letter of the 4th inst. [4 July] reached on the 15th enclosing one for James, but directed outside to Louisa, which I forwarded on Saturday the 18th, there having been no steamer in the interim. –

I am shocked at your saying that one reason for your so directing that letter was for fear of Rutson opening it in case of James’ absence; as I am sure he would do nothing of the kind without James’ authority, -& I do not consider that such direction would be any protection against its being opened at the Post Office. – And I think you ought to have more regard for my feelings than you show, when you express the hope that this year may be the sickliest for N[ew] Orleans ever known!

I am pleased, however, to have heard from you again, after so long an interval of silence.

Your former letter, written in May, [underscored] stated, I think, that you saw nothing for it but to await Peace, & then return to N[ew] Orleans, and James wrote me that you were expecting, whenever Peace comes, to become the Agent of Fawcett Preston & Co. and Tayleur & Co.; but if that is your grand reliance, I fear it will only end in disappoint- -ments. – Either of those houses would, I presume, be very glad if you, or anyone else, could obtain for their orders for their Machinery, with sure means of repayment; and that would be about the extent & scope of the Agency, I suppose. – But I think there must be numberless openings for you, of a far surer & more desirable character, in the shape of employment upon the Southern Railroads, provided you were willing to resume your old profession on those Roads.

I think matters on this side are working favorably for Peace & Reunion, after the expiration of Mr. Lincoln’s term. –

We are all well on this side; but I have not time to enter into family details.

Yours affectionately Rutson Maury