I received in season, and with pleasure your Letter of the 12th of January

I must avow that upon the first publication of Mr: Munroe’s Work, I was much hurt at that levity with which So many Americans, and among them some of respectable character, had taken an open part against the Executive authority of their own <Country> Government especially when that authority was exercised, by a Character so universally respected as Washingtons; it looked as if Americans would be forever incapable of any kind of Government—

Your particular obligations to Mr. Munroe, for his Services to your Brother must have made a deep impression on your feelings, and the Sense you express of them does honor to your heart, and will apologize for a Conduct which however it will not justify—As this is the first instance it may be pardoned, but most assuredly a Second never will

I am obliged to you for writing to me on this occasion, and for the just Sentiments and handsome Expressions of them to Sir / Your most obt & Hble Servt