I have recd the copy of your Horticultural Address politely inclosed to me. And I have read it with the approbation due to its well composed & well applied contents.

But I cannot do the address this justice, without remarking that whatever share I may have had in originating framing, & bringing about the Constitution of the U.S. the terms on which my agency is mentioned would do an injustice to others, to which I ought not by my silence to assent. I see in this mark of your partiality, nevertheless, a claim, of which I am duly sensible, to the friendly respects & good wishes which I pray you to accept.