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

Having applied to Congress for the payment of my salary—being in despair of obtaining it from Mr Lamb—they have been pleased to refer my memorial to the board of Treasury “to take order thereupon”— who have directed me to request from you a certification of the manner of my Appointment as I have no commission of any kind—1

I wish also for the sake of my reputation to shew that I was employed by yourself and Mr Jefferson and not by a man so much reprobated as is Mr Lamb

I have been confined by a painful and dangerous illness for twelve months past—was therefore incapacitated to pursue any measures for procuring the said payment, which has become very necessary to me—

I beg sir that you will pardon the trouble I must unavoidably give you and to permit me to present my respectful compliments to Mrs. Adams—and also by my best wishes to commend myself to your consideration.

I have the Honor to be with much regard / sir / Your humble servant