I was favored with yours of the 28th. Ult.1 just as I was preparing to go out of Town— it was not untill last Evening that I returned, or I should have taken an earlier opportunity of answering your Letter—

Accept my Thanks for your friendly Congratulations. I am convinced of ^believe^ them Sincereity and value them accordingly— It would give me great Pleasure to have opportunities of rendering your ^see your^ Situation more comfortable— on these occasions it is best to be very explicit— it would neither be candid nor friendly ^nor candid^ to excite delusory Expectations, or to make Promises without a good Prospect of performing them— There is not a single office in my Gift, nor do I recollect that there is more than one in the appointmt. of the Court, & I mean their clerk. As to Offices in the Gift of other Departments I think it my Duty not to interfere with their affairs, or ^nor to^ ask favors from them A Judge ought not ^it being improper for a Judge^ to put himself under such obligations to Men ^on^ whose ^official^ Conduct ^he^ may or be find himself called upon to pass Judgement I shall always be ready to on application to give them what Information I am sincerely disposed to serve my Friends, and you among others, but then it must ^can only^ be in a way perfectly consistant with the Duties & Proprieties of my public Station— These Considerations will I am persuaded have their due weight with you; and and rather tend to encrease than diminish the Esteem and attachment you have always expressed and manifested for me— I regret that on this occasion I cannot say things more consonant with your wishes [illegible] but ^but^ Sincerity ^tho not always pleasing^ is preferable to mere Civility— Be assured nevertheless of my constant regard & that I remain your Friend,