I have long been in debt for the Copy of your "Discourse before the P. B. K. Society of Brown. University;" as I yet am for kind attention from other friends.  For apologies for these delays, not unfrequently spun out into  entire omissions, I must rely on my age now within a few days of its 85th. year, to which is added a State of health, severely crippled by disease. I find as is, doubtless, a common case, that the claims on my attention do not decrease pari passu with my ability to do justice to them.

Late as it however is, and conditioned as I am, I cannot but express my thanks for your elegant tribute to Classical literature, and my wish that its counsels and exhortations may have all the effect they merit; tendering you at the same time the renewed expression of my cordial esteem and respectful salutations.