I have recd. the Letter wh you did me the Honor to write on the 15th.1 Inst enclosing a Copy of a Resolution of the Federal Freeholders of the City of NYork of the 13 Instant.2 Permit me thru’ you to assure them of the high Sense I entertain of the honor they have done me by the Sentiments, respecting Services, which are expressed in that Resolution; and be pleased Gentn. to accept my warmest acknolwedgmts. for the Friendship and attachmts. wh. Your Letter evinces—

Considering the Relations in wh. I have stood to those of my fellow Citizens who are denominated fœderalists, I take the Liberty of submitting to their Consideration a few Remarks—

It is our agreeable Circumstance that the Prosperity of our County, since the Institution of the present Governmt. justifies the support & Confidence we have given to those by whom it has hitherto been administred. But general Prosperity does not invariably produce general Content; nor will public opinion, perplexed by the different Lights & Shades in wh. Men and measures are often seen placed and seen, always remain steady and uniform.

These Observations are informed by Events of no inconsiderable Importance, wh. have recently occurred. They place us in a new Situation, and render it proper for us to consider what our Conduct under it should be. I take the Liberty therefore of suggesting, whether the patriotic Principles on wh. we profess to act, do not call upon us to give (as far as may depend on us) fair & full Effect to the known sense and Intention of a Majority of the people, in every constitutional Exercise of their will, and to support every Admn. of the Governmt. of our Country, which may prove to be intelligent and upright, of whatever party the Persons composing it may be—

With the best Wishes for the Happiness of yr. Constituents and with great personal Respect and Regard for yourselves I have the Honor to be Gentn your obliged & Obt Servt