I have received, young gentlemen, your letter of the 16th. inst: informing me that I have been elected an honorary member of the Franklin Literary Society of Randolph Macon College.

My respect for the object of the Society, and the motives for associating my name with it, do not permit me to decline the distinction, however sensible I am of the little value that can be attached to its acceptance. I can only express the sincere wishes for the success of the Institution in the contemplated improvement of its members, and of yours particularly, which I pray may be accepted.