You profess not to be a panegyrist while you are bestowing the most exalted praise—but compliments apart—I received your very polite Letter of the 25th of Mar: with much pleasure—It recalled to my remembrance some of the pleasing occurrences of my past life & reminded me of the Acquaintances I had formed in it; for whom, tho’ seperated by time—distance—& political Sentiments I retain the same Friendship.

I was opposed to the policy of G.B., & became an enemy to her measures; but I always distinguished between a Cause and Individuals: and while the latter supported their opinions upon liberal & generous grounds, personally, I never could be an enemy to them.

I have only to request therefore, that you will suffer me to retain that place in your friendship of which you assure me I now hold—That you will accept my sincere thanks for the favorable Sentiments you have been pleased to express of me—and will do me the Justice to believe, that with great esteem and regard I have the honr to be Sir Yr Most Obt & Hble Ser.