I am Very Unfortunate in My Attempts to Meet You, But Hope at last to Have Better Success, and Warmly Wish it to Happen about the Middle of Next Month when I Expect to wait Upon Congress at their Next Meeting—it was far from My plans to Spend So much Time Upon an Indian treaty— But my presence was thought Useful— My influence was thought Some thing— My Stay was Required—and I found Myself Engaged Untill the Commissioners Released me— My private Visiting plans Have Been deranged, and from Rhodeisland I must, in Spite of Sea Sickness, Embark for Virginia where genl Washington will be waiting for me1

Untill a few days Ago I Had no doubt But to hear You Had Accepted the Appointment Conferred Upon You— My fears However Have Been Raised, and with my Usual frankness I Assure that Your Refusal Could not But Be attended with very Bad Circumstances— Setting Compliments apart, I am Sensible of the Great injury such a denial would Cause to the public—not only on account of the loss made By the United States in your person— But also for other Motives—2 I Hope You will accept— I know you must— But in Case You are not determined, I Had Rather change my plans, than not to See You Before You write to Congress— I wish much to Hear from You at Newport where I expect to Be about the 22d.

My Most affectionate Respects Wait Upon Mrs jay— With Every Sentiment of Regard and Attachment I Have the Honour to Be Your Sincere friend