The Governors Secretary called on me this Morning & told me that he had just arrived from Albany; that the Council of Appointment was to meet on the Day he left that city, & that he was authorized to tell me that I would at that Meeting be appointed Recorder.1 This Intelligence which a short time since would not have been unwelcome, is at present a little embarrassing. Since the Appointment of a Judge the federalists here have become exceedingly dissatisfied with Mr Clinton & will I believe pretty generally oppose him. It would be extremely disagreeable to me to separate from them or to incur their Censure. Altho Mr Clinton has no right to expect any change in my political Conduct, yet it would not accord with my own feeling. to accept from him an Appointmt. and the very next week to act against him. If I were now perfectly free I should decline the Office. On the other hand I have only a fortnight ago stated under my hand my readiness to accept the appointment & now to refuse it would be treating the Governor in a Manner which if I were in his place I should not think handsome— What sufficient Reason can I offer for it to him— I have not yet had an opportunity to reflect much on this subject; & as I think of going to Newark tomorrow to see John examined & may not return in time for the Mail I write this evening & beg your Advice.2

Mr Munro has not yet returned to town. We are all well.

I recd yours of the 30th Ult. after writing to you last Week.3 Little Mary is much gratified by your letter. We shall accept the kind Invitation contained in it for a part of the Summer. Our best love to William & Sisters— I am, my dear father, Your very Affect Son,