Your communication of the 3d. inst. having proceeded by mistake to Vermt. was not recd. till yesterday.

My lengthened observation making me more & more sensible of the essential connection between a diffusion of knowledge, and the success of Republican Institutions, I derive pleasure from every example of such associations as that of the "Washington College Parthenon". With my best wishes that its usefulness may equal the laudable views which led to it: I tender my acknowledgts. for the honorary membership conferred on me, and at my advanced period of life, these wishes & acknowledgts. are the only proofs I have to give of the value I put on the mark of respect shewn me; and the sincerity of them the only value that can entitle them to a favorable acceptance by the Society.