The very acceptable present of the patriotic Society of the City of Enkhuysen, came safe to me a few Days ago. By this agreable token of their respect and regard, I feel myself highly honored—and it was a very particular enhancement of the pleasure I felt on this occasion, that it was accompanied with a Letter from you.

I feel some pain, that I cannot give that encouragement to the enlargement of this branch of their business, which that Patriotic Society seem to expect—since our Bays, harbours and Rivers are remarkably abounding in this and in the various kinds of Fish, which prove a present Blessing to our people, & will probably be improved into a source of future Wealth. In other branches however, I fondly promise myself, that our Connection will be enlarged into a most fruitfull scene of mutual interests and reciprocal Benefits—to this happy end my best Endeavours & most friendly disposition will not be wanting.

Your Nation, Sir, and your Character in particular, have indeed merited the confidence & regard of the Confederated States of America—and they will long I trust be considered with gratefull veneration—The Union so happily commenced will I hope be cultivated by both, with the utmost care and attention, and I pray to heaven that it may be as durable as mutual Interests and reciprocal benefits can render it—permit me sir most sincerely and cordially to rejoice with you in the reestablishment of your Honors and Usefulness & to felicitate not you only, but your Country, in whose cause you have proved yourself so noble and efficacious an Advocate, in this happy & most honorable Event; an Event which in my Opinion—augurs well to the future Liberties & prosperity of the Republic.

May Heaven long bless your Country with the Enjoyment of her Liberty, the choicest Earthly favor, and may personal happiness and domestic pleasures ever attend your footsteps through all your future Walks of Life. With sentiments of the highest Esteem and Regard—I have the honor to be Sir Your most Obedient and very humble Servant