I did not recieve until last evening your letter of the 22d. Feby. communicating the late proceedings of the "American Historical Society of Military & Naval Events", and "asking leave to present my name as an honorary Member".

I have too much respect for the object of the society, and for the names composing it, to be insensible to the honor of an association of mine, with them.

I must not however, forget, that at my great age, attended with crippled health, I could be, but an unprofitable member, with wishes not more sincere, than I now feel, that the success of the Society, may be as ample as its views are patriotic, and praise worthy.