I am well aware that at this time while the President is no doubt receiving affectionate communications & respectful attentions from many of the first Characters in the Union that it may appear a little impertinent for an obscure individual to trouble him with a written address.—I should however do violence to my feelings were I to suppress the desire I feel to add my testimony to the respect for thy Character and attachment to thy Person which I feel in common with I believe a very large proportion of thy personal acquaintance.

These are grounded on the belief that thy publick Acts have been dictated by sound Policy and a strict adherence to the principle of universal Justice, and that the leading features in thy private Character are those of Benevolence and good will to Man.

With sincere desires that thou mayest in thy retirement enjoy that tranquility and peace of mind which is the sure reward of a well spent life and more to be desired than all other earthly bessings

I am thy friend