I understood from my Friend, & late Fellow Traveller, that “A Recluse Man” had been heard of, but never seen, by the principal Object of it. This Mistake alone, prompted the Author to inclose it, at first, in a blank Cover. The Idea of commenting on it, arose after it had been sealed. It was a disinterested, volunteer Effort, written at a Moment, when the Author had not the most distant Idea of ever being known, to those concerned; much less, of the distinguished Honor paid him, of noticing it, & accompanying it, with so very acceptable & valuable a Present, as the large Edition, of the Defence of the American Constitutions. The “Recluse Man” confesses, he was prompted to boast, that it was entirely a voluntary Affair, previous to, & uninfluenced by personal Acquaintances, & consequent high Respect. He had however a purer Motive. He supposed, an Instance of disinterested Zeal & Good Will, might tend to counterbalance all the possible Sting, of at least one of the many calumniating Performances, which I hope for the Honor of my Country, do not represent the Essence & Acme of Southern Wit; the Quarter from which they apparently come.

I had early purchased, the small American Edition of the “Defence” & began to read it with Attention in the Summer past. I then learned, that a heavy Attack, would be commenced in Autumn, I believe, an Anticipation retarded it. “Venienti occurrite Morbo”1 is perhaps, as good a political, as medical Rule.

I asked of Doctor Johnson, (of our College) the History of the Business of Titles, in the Senate; he explained it, as it is done in the Letter, I am honored with.2

A Prone-ness to Change, appears to be an inherent Quality of Human Nature. The first Officer in America, has escaped its Effects longer perhaps, than usually happens in a Republic; longer than his most sanguine & personally devoted Friends could have rationally counted upon. But the Tide is now turning from Adulation, to its Opposite. The Indian War; expensive Diplomatique Establishments; improper Appointments; a Hobby-horsical federal City; a vain & expensive Statue; are familiar Topics of Censure.

I consider every honest, independent Character, or Officer of Note in a Republic, almost as a temporary Martyr. A good Conscience, & a Certainty of Justice in the public Opinion, when retired from public Station & Envy, are the only sustaining Reflections; & indeed they are powerful Consolation to those who have the Magnanimity to merit them.

The very flattering Notice taken, of my slender Efforts, induces me, perhaps imprudently; to mention my having, (with the Knowledge only of a very few confidential literary Friends) aimed at Times, at some useful Purpose, by occasional Publications. In the American Museum of September 1790, an “Hints & conjectural Observations on an American Excise.” In that of July 1791–Page 25 Remarks “On Toll Bridges & Turnpike Roads.” Of August following Page 67 “Consolatory Letter to an afflicted Friend.”3

I cannot conclude, Sir, without reiterating, the very strong & grateful Impressions which I feel, on the distinguished Mark of Attention bestowed upon me, by a Character so eminent, in both Hemispheres, for Literature, Politics, & Patriotism; and that I am, / with very high & unfeigned Respect / Sir / Your most obedient & very humble Servant