I have just recd your note inviting me to join a party of my fellow Citizens in celebrating the anniversary of our Independence at Milton.1 Notwithstanding the pleasure I should feel in meeting them on such an occasion, I am obliged to forego it by circumstances which have not permitted me to accept a like invitation from another quarter. I can only, therefore return my thanks to the Come & the Meeting for their polite & friendly mark of attention & with my wishes that their social enjoyments of the day may be as compleat as the event it celebrates was glorious.