I have recd. your letter of the 4th. inst in which you suggest a compilation for the press, of my writings on political subjects

With respect to such of them as have been already in print, I have no reason to suppose that a republication of them would be of the avail estimated by your partiality.

And as to any manuscripts among my papers, the contents of which may be worthy of preservation, they are either not of sufficient amount, to fall within the scope of your suggestion, or are deemed more proper for posthumous consideration than for an earlier publication.

There being nothing, I presume in this communication, that could lead to a public notice of it, I need not request what I take for granted that it will be regarded as for yourselves alone I thank you, gentlemen for your good wishes, & pray you to accept a sincere return of mine