My neighbor & friend E. C. Delavan Esqr. of this City, being about to proceed to Virginia, & the vicinity of your residence, I have taken the liberty altho’ personally unknown to you, to offer him this letter of introduction—Mr. Delavan’s devotion to the great cause of temperance, would indeed supersede the necessity of any introduction; but I confess I take an interest, in an interview between two gentlemen, whom I so highly esteem.

I flatter myself that I am not unknown to you; during the eight years that you presided over the government of the U. S. I was an ardent, tho’ unobtrusive supporter of your Administration, and on your first election I had the pleasure as an elector to cast a vote for you. I would now say, were it not flattery, that your Administration was marked with wisdom, forbearance & patriotism.

Your life has been prolonged undoubtedly for wise purposes, & I beg you to believe that I entertain the most profound respect for your person, & deep gratitude for your eminent public services. With sincere esteem Your Obedt. servt.