I have received your kind and obliging Letter of the [second of] this month encloseing a polite invitation to the [Festivities] at Fanuel Hall on this day, in Honour of Captain Hull and, the gallant officers and seamen of the Frigate Constitution. The committee will please to accept my thanks for this mark of their attention to me. I had till this morning flattered myself with the pleasing hope and confident intention of doing myself the honour of attending a celebration so conformable to my judgement and so agreeable to my public and private Feelings But as the Weather, has rendered my attendance at my age and, state of health to my great affliction improper—I pray you to present my apology with my best blessing to Captain Hull, his officers and Crew, and with my cordial affection and respects to the company at Fanuel Hall.

As it is probable, judgeing of the future by the past that if I had been present I might have been complimented with an opportunity of offering a sentiment, I take the Liberty of encloseing one to your discretion which will be most acceptable to the company, the rest to be suppressed

With the highest respect to yourself the Committee / and the company, I have the honour to be, Sir / your most obedient Servant