I have had the Pleasure of recieving your Letter of the 5th. ult:1 mentioning that the British Garrisons had retired from Oswego and Niagara, and that our Troops were in Possession of those Posts— I am happy to learn that this Business was conducted in a manner so satisfactory to both Parties— The officers on both Sides deserve Credit for the Decorum & Propriety which they observed on the occasion— It is to be hoped that mutual Care will be taken to avoid every thing that may cause Irritation or Disgust, and that the People on each Side of the Line will remember that it is the Interest, as well as the Duty of Neighbours, to live in a neighbourly manner— This State may always derive advantages from a friendly Intercourse with Canada, in perhaps a greater Proportion than any of the other States; and therefore it should and doubtless will be our Policy to facilitate it by such Improvements as to Roads and Canals, as the State of Things may from Time to Time indicate—when you meet with Judge Duane2 be so good as to present my best Compts. to him— I am Dear Sir your most Obt & hble Servt