I thank you for the oration of mr Willard, which you have been so kind as to send me, and I recieve it with particular sensibility from the hand of a connection of the late judge Lincoln whom I loved in life, and honor after death. I have read the oration with great satisfaction: and it is a comfort to me when I find the sound principles of the revolution cherished and avowed by the rising generation. while those prevail which are expressed by mr Willard1 we have nothing to fear for our happy institutions. I am particularly sensible of the partial sentiments which mr Loring has been so kind as to express towards myself. I cannot flatter myself however that they harmonised with all those of a mixed audience. it was my fortune or fate to be placed at the head of the column which first entered the breach in the walls of federalism, and I have perhaps no right to expect an entire ob[liv]ion of past feelings. I hope they will lessen with time, and in the mean while I am particularly thankful for the app[rob]ation of those who view my conduct more favorably. accept the assurance of my great respect.