Our Legislature did not rise till late in the night on the 26th instant. I have been obliged to attend the whole Session; constant attendance & application have injured my health; it is now so precarious, & delicate, that I am fearful of undertaking a journey to New York at this inclement Season of the year. If my attendance, for want of a Sufficient number of members to compose a Senate, can not be dispensed with, I shall be under the necessity of resigning my Seat. The executive of this State is authorised to appoint my successor, during the recess of the Assembly, in case of my resignation. I wish to execute, to the best of my power, the trust, with which I have been honored by my country, but I am confident, my fellow citizens would not require me to hazard my life, or health in the execution of it.

I hope to be able to set out for New York in the beginning, or at furthest, by the middle of March. If I can not have leave of absence so long, be pleased, Sir, to impart to me the determination of the Senate on this point, that my successor may be appointed without loss of time, who may immediately, or very soon after his appointment repair to New York, to take his seat in the Senate I beg you to present my respectful compliments to the members of the body over whom you preside.1 I remain with great regard and esteem / Dear Sir / yr. most obdt. hum. Servt.