ATTEMPTING TO SETTLE AN ESTATE AND COMMENTING ON HIS RECENT GOVERNMENT WORK, in an autograph letter, signed by Poinsett in Charleston, May 1, 1841, to Robert Gilmor in Baltimore, in part: "I find that I have in my hands about three thousand dollars belonging to the estate of Col. Bacon which I am ready and anxious to divide among the heirs [details follow] ... We reached home safely and in the midst of my old associates the past four years seem like a troubled dream [Poinsett had just finished serving as Martin Van Buren's Secretary of War]."

Biblio’s Book Conditions

• As New
  The book is pristine and free of any defects, in the same condition as when it was first newly published.
• Fine (F)
  A book in fine condition exhibits no flaws. A fine condition book closely approaches As New condition, but may lack the crispness of an uncirculated, unopened volume.
• Near Fine (NrFine or NF)
  Almost perfect, but not quite fine. Any defect outside of shelf-wear should be noted.
• Very Good (VG)
  A used book that does show some small signs of wear - but no tears - on either binding or paper. Very good items should not have writing or highlighting.
• Good (G or Gd.)
  The average used and worn book that has all pages or leaves present. ‘Good’ items often include writing and highlighting and may be ex-library. Any defects should be noted. The oft-repeated aphorism in the book collecting world is “good isn’t very good.”
• Fair
  It is best to assume that a “fair” book is in rough shape but still readable.
• Poor (P)
  A book with significant wear and faults. A poor condition book can still make a good reading copy but is generally not collectible unless the item is very scarce. Any missing pages must be specifically noted.