The honorable Command given me, lately, by Congress, would have been very agreeable, if I had not conceived the war to be near the close1—You may remember, in the last Conversation I had with your Excellency, I gave my reasons, fully, for declining any command in the Army.

It is no small mortification to me, that by not entering early into the Service, I lost the opportunity of shareing the honors which many officers have gained by serving under your Command.

The Civilities I received from you, whilst I remained in your Family at Camp will ever be remembered with gratitude—and, if our affairs should again take an unfortunate turn, be assured, you have not a friend more ready than I shall be, to share your dangers.

I most sincerely wish you may live to see the Liberties of your Country established upon the broadest Foundation; which I know, has ever been your only object, from the beginning of this Contest. I am Dr sir, with the greatest esteem, your most obet & very hble Servt