Washington’s resignation, which crowns that Excellent war with glorÿ, opens the career for my worthy and much respected friend, to bestow new obligations upon his Country-men, if they are wise enough to take hold of this favourable opportunity. can your Excel̃l—without compromitting yourself—procure your old friend a place among the Electors in this State— you know to whom he shall paÿ the tribute, which every American owes to Your meritorious character.

Permit me to assure you, that / I am / with the highest veneration / your Excel̃l: most ob: St. / and obliged frend:

I regret that urgent business hinders me from making yourself and Mrs Adams a visit at Braintree prior to my return to Philadelphia.

It was a pleasure I had reckond upon and the rather as my friend H.G. Otis had promisd to accompany me in his carriage. As it is very possible I may be absent during the next Session of Congress in Philadelphia—and considering you Sir, in the double capacity of an high officer of the United States and as an old and true Friend of mine; I take the liberty of inclosing a statement that I hope will at least satisfy You that I have behaved like an honourable and honest man—in a transaction—which has been much misunderstood and misrepresented.

It is printed—merely to save the expence of copying; for private perusal not for publication1

May every blessing attend You and Your Family!

Your respectful & affectionate / Friend & Sert

Stimulated by the same ambitious views which first impelled me to become a Scribbler, I am solicitous to attain the highest eminence of that summit, which, with many an anxious effort, my unwearied footsteps have long sought to ascend— Hence proceeds my application to that Luminary whose refulgent beams hath brightened with transcendent lustre; this younger world, and whose unborrowed rays can communicate a value too, and throw a light over beings the most Opaque.

Yes Sir, I would give celebrity to my essays by your name, and I solicit your patronage, not only as a Subscrber to my proposals, but, penetrated with the highest idea of your character, and your virtues, I earnestly request permission to dedicate the volumes which I contemplate to you!1 “Presumptuous Woman! upon what undue liberties doth thy unwarrantable pride precipitate thee!” Once I should have subscribed to the propriety of this exclamation— Previous to my introduction to you, and the accomplished Lady whose kindred mind seems so fitly associated with yours, the idea of my own inferiority, while anticipating the intended visit, covered my face with blushes, and I was ready to accuse my Companion of unauthorized temerity—but we entered your hospitable Mansion—you smiled benignantly upon us, and grateful admiration absorbed every lesser consideration—yes, timidity became prostrate, and I felt that I could confide in your benevolence, as much as I venerated those rare qualifications which will unquestionably convey your illustrious name, and services to the latest posterity.

If my intended publication obtains your sanction—I shall have attained a high degree of elevation—my hopes will be new plumed—and, thus soothed, and flattered, I shall spread the boldest pinions.

I inclose you, Sir, my proposals—if you return the paper with your signature, and accede to my wishes relative to the dedication—you will confer a very important obligation—but if the grant of either, or both of these petitions, is inconvenient for you, or inconsistent with your views, I however take the liberty to request you will have the condescending goodness to favour me with an answer—as all the perturbation, consequent upon suspense, will be the Companion of my bosom untill I am honored by your determination.

Permit me to offer to your amiable Lady my most respectful regards.

I have, Sir, the honor to be, with all possible respect, esteem, and veneration, your most obedient humble servant