From the Conversation that pass’d, between you and me, when I had the Pleasure to See you for a few moments at this place, I am apprehensive that you may think of me for a Senator, as I find that Some other Gentlemen have, done and continue to do.1

You know very well how ungracious and odious the Non Acceptance of an Appointment by Election is, and therefore let me beg of you, not to expose me to the Necessity of incurring the Censure of the Publick and the Obloquy of Individuals by so unpopular a measure.

I have long revolved in an anxious mind the Duties of the Man and the Citizen, and without entering into Details, at present, the Result of all my Reflections on the Place of a Senator in the New Government is an unchangeable Determination to refuse it.

With much Respect and Sincere Affection / I am, Dear sir, your most obedient / and most humble servant

Last night, I received the Letter you did me the Honour to write me, on the thirteenth of September, informing me of the Honour that has been done me by the University over which you so worthily preside.

If this honorary Degree, is as you inform me, to be considered as a token of Affection and Esteem, I shall certainly hold it among the most precious of Things; since nothing can ever be more pleasing to me, or more satisfactory to my highest ambition than the approbation of an University which has distinguished itself in Litterature among the foremost in America, and which is the Light of a Commonwealth that I esteem the purest Portion of mankind.1

With great Respect and Sincere / Esteem I have the Honour to be, / Sir your most obedient and / most humble Servant