The letters which you did me the favor of writing to me on the 17th. & 23d. of last Month from Poughkeepsie,1 came duly to hand, & claim my particular acknowledgments.—

With peculiar pleasure I now congratulate you on the success of your labours to obtain an unconditional ratification of the proposed Constitution in the Convention of your State; the acct. of which, was brought to us by the mail of yesterday.—

Although I could hardly conceive it possible, after ten states had adopted the Constitution, that New York, separated as it is from the remaining three—and so peculiarly devided in sentiments as it is—would withdraw herself from the Union;— Yet, considering the great Majority which appeared to cling together in the Convention, and the decided temper of the leaders in the opposition ^I did not I confess see^ the means by which it was to be avoided

The exertion of those who were able to effect this great work, must have been equally arduous and meritorious.— It is to be hoped that the state of North Carolina2 will yet spend much time in deciding upon this question and as to Rhode Island,3 its conduct hitherto has so far baffled all calculation that few are disposed to hazard a conjecture thereon. With sentiments of the sincerest esteem & regard I am Dear Sir Yr. most Obedt. & affecte Servt