In collecting materials which may be hereafter used as the ground work of a Memoir of the late Governor William Livingston of New Jersey, my great-grandfather, there is a portion of his Life in relation to which his papers afford me no information—& this information I think it possible you may have it in your power to give me. I refer to the Convention held at Philadelphia in 1787, of which he was a Member.

I should very much desire to avoid making any inquiries, the answers to which might anticipate or interfere with the design generally attributed to you of publishing a full account of the proceedings of that Body. But I can only put the questions which occur to me, & leave it to your better Judgment to determine whether they do so. Did Mr. L—take an active part in the Debates & was he Considered as having a leaning toward the federal party & principles?

These, Sir, are all the queries which I think myself at liberty to put (if indeed this, be true even of these) but I should consider myself under great obligations for any further information it may be in your power to give me. It is with great reluctance, Sir, that I take the liberty of making these demands upon your time, nor should I do it except in the hope that you will without hesitation, exercise your own discretion as to the expediency or convenience of complying with my request. I have the honor to be, Sir, with the highest respect Your most, obedient humble servant