For the honor conferred on me by the President and Fellows of the University of Yale College, by the Degree of Doctorate in Laws, my warmest thanks are offered—and the polite manner in which you are pleased to request my acceptance of this distinguished mark of their favor demands my grateful acknowledgements.

That the College in which you preside may long continue a useful Seminary of learning—and that you may be the happy instrument in the hands of Providence for raising it to honor and dignity, and making it advancive of the happiness of mankind is the sincere wish of Sir Yr Most Obedt & Most Hble Servt