I have delayed an Answer to your Letter for some Hours,1 least I should forget what I owe to myself, and catch from you a Warmth or Indelicacy of Expression, which I might on Reflection think blameable.—This is the first Instance I ever met with of such an Address, and as I conceive it to be ^entirely^ without Foundation Provocation, I am the more astonished. I cannot charge myself with ever having intentionally given Offence to any Person living and esteem it incumbent on every Gentleman to explain his Conduct when it is misunderstood, and such Explanation is desired in proper Terms, the want of which on your part is the only Reason for my not doing it in the present Instance

I must think that the warmth you have shewn should not have been excited by the Occasion which gave Rise to it, at least until you had been well assured of a Design in me to treat you with Disrespect. I am Sir your humble Servt.