Yours of the 11th of Dec I received; words are wanting to express my gratitude for your kindness, a remembrance of which shall descend with me to the grave, although, I assure you, that a simple lock of your hair, whitened by the frosts of 79 winters, would have been received with equal respect, and a degree of veneration. I addressed you from pure motives, your receiving it as such, has rendered me superlatively happy, and could I believe as you do, that thousands have acted from the same disinterested motives, that have ever characterized your life, gladly would I, but I fear true patriotism will be lost in the death of Mr Jefferson. I will trespass no longer on your patience, (not to have returned you thanks, would have made me uneasy) but merely observe, that in the humble capacity of an Abecedarian, I obtain a competency, which is the height of my ambition, and that to the list of friends in the West, I may add the names of Joshua Fry Esqr and F F Maury formerly of Albemarle. May your few remaining days be tranquil and happy, and when the messenger of Death shall receive his mandate to put a final period to your earthly existence, may yo[u] pass without fear the glor[ious] vale, that separates tim[e] from eternity, and be cheered with the welcome sound, of well done thou good and faithful servant.