I present to you mr Rives, the bearer of this, an eleve of mine in law and politics. he is able, learned, honest, & orthodox in his principles. being just about to enter on the stage of public life he wishes first to see something more of our country at large. he will be one of the distinguished men of our state, & of the United States. in taking him by the hand while in Boston you will render service to distinguished1 merit, plant the seeds of gratitude in a grateful soil, and lay under particular obligations