Soon after writing my last letter to you1 I was invited to attend the meeting I mentioned to you.2 The plan of it I found was formed in Connecticut, & the leading federalists of all or nearly all the States were invited to assemble here to fix upon a Candidate who should be supported by the federalists at the ensuing Election for Prest. The Convention assembled on Tuesday & adjourned today (Thursday)— It consisted of Delegates from Vermont & all the New England states, from N. York, N. Jersey, Pen[n]sylvania, Delaware, Maryland, & S. Carolina. No one attended from N. Carolina or Virginia but letters were received from some of the most eminent men in those States, expressing their opinions, & communicating Intelligence concerning the State of parties there— The first day & much of the second was spent in hearing Information from the Delegates of all the States represented, from it which it was manifest that a federal Candidate could not succeed. It was there proposed to support Mr. Clinton, a proposal which was supported by all the new england members & nearly of not quite all those from the South of New York. Most of our own Delegates consented to it very reluctantly. The Question however was not ^formally^ debated. on the second day of the Meeting various Drafts of Resolutions were moved & it was only by observations on points of form that the Intentions of the Majority became perceptible. All the Projects of Resolutions were at length referred to a Committee who this morning reported. The resolution recommended by the Comee. was objected to very warmly, & I think very justly, by Mr. King and Mr Morris for (tho without effect) for being too cunning, & therefore unworthy the Character of such an Assembly. I cannot repeat the Resolution, but it imported in Substance, that being alarmed at the Calamities which the Country must necessarily suffer in consequence of the Measures of the present administration, we recommended to the federalists throughout the Union to support the election of such persons as Prest. & Vice Prest. as should appear most likely to effect a change of those Measures— If no more had been intended than was expressed, the Resolution amounted to nothing— But in truth it was meant to recommend Mr Clinton without saying so; lest the ^his^ open nomination by the federalists should lessen his Influence with the Pennsylvania Democrats—

On the main question only two Speeches were made one by Mr King against the Measure very eloquent but not sufficiently cool; & one in Answer by Mr. Otis.3 Mr Morris was understood to be in favor of Clinton— I forgot to mention that on Wednesday one Resolution was passed vizt. that from satisfactory Information possessed by the Meeting it appeared impracticable to elect a federal Candidate & that therefore it was not expedient to nominate one. Mr Elias Boudinot4 was Chairman. I think it very doubtful whether Mr Clinton will succeed even with federal aid, & if we fail I fear the Reputation of our party will be not [a/torn] little injured.

Mr. Ryerson5 has sent me $302.^33/100 from Sussex. I have not heard from William since he left us except but Archd. McVickar tells me he had arrived at Albany. You will see in the papers an official Account of Marmonts6 defeat & a Report of a considerable advantage gained by the Russians one of the Corps of the French Army in Poland.

18 Sept. I have just recd. your letter of the 15th.7 & exceedingly regret that your health is altered for the worse. I hope with you that the use of peaches will restore it. I will write to Mr Rutherfurd on the Subject you mention & settle with Wm. Watkins. My love to Nancy— I am my dear father your affect son