I was particularly happy my Dear Jay when I saw your name in the list of Deligates for the Continental Congress, not only because it favour’d an opinion I had ever entertaind, that your Abilities would entitle you to the most distinguishd honors; But because as I knew your Sentiments were favorable to Liberty and the public Good it convinc’d me that the Spirit of Freedom and not of Faction prevaild among those who confer’d on you their Suffrages—

It was ever my Opinion, and agreeable to my affection and to my wish I have often foretold, that your Integrity, your knowledge of the Law, & the firmness with which you would maintain the Cause of yr. Clyent, would with rapidity advance your Reputation as a Lawyer: But little did I think that in the Course of so few years you could have open’d your way to the first honors in the gift of a free People, and how you have been able to Stem the Current of those prejudices which formerly prevaild against the your Profession in the City of New York, can only be accounted for from that Steady perseverence in Virtuous Actions & for which have ever been your peculiar Characteristics.—

The distress’d Situation of America has hitherto given me the greatest uneasiness; but by the almost divine Conduct of your Congress, the apprehension of danger begins now to diminish, and I think it plain to be observ’d that great Brittain has pass’d the meridian of her Glory: and why should not America (like the Phenix) arise to A great Empire from the ashes of its mother. I have no no more to tell you ^say^ only that I wish you health and prosperity and am yours affectionately