I have this day received your obliging Letter of the twenty first of February, inclosing a Co[py] of a proposed Dedication1

Your request of my permission to dedic[ate] to me, the Second Edition of your View of Religion is very flattering to me: because, although I am ash[amed] to acknowledge I have never Seen the Book, I kn[ow] its reputation to be very respectable, not only in [this] country but in Europe.

Although I am conscious that Some of the Compliments intended me, have not been so well merited, [as] I wish they had been, I shall leave to your inclination and discretion every thing of that kind: only requesti[ng] that all Titles literary or political be omitt[ed] and that the Address may be only John Adams V[ice]-President of the United States of America.

If you please you may add my name [into the] List of your subscribers for three Copies of your book

You and I are undoubtedly related by Birth, although personally unknown to each other, and although We were both “born in humble obscurity,” yet I presume neither of Us have any Cause to regret that Circumstance. If I could ever Suppose that Family Pride were in 9 any Case excuseable, I should think a descent from a line of virtuous independent New England farmers, for 160 years, were a better foundation for it, than a descent through royal or noble Scoundrels ever since the flood.

I am, Miss Adams very Sincerly your / well Wisher, and with great Esteem / your most humble servant