I duly received your favor of the 2d of August in reply to mine of the 22d of July. I did not then, as, perhaps, I should have done, return you my thanks for the candid expression of your opinions; opinions, wch I cordially respect, although they are not, on one point, so explicit as I had hoped they might be.

Notwithstanding frequent and flagrant misrepresentation of your sentiments1 I have not suffered any public use to be made of your letter. I have not, however, withheld its perusal from one or two respectable members of Congress, who, from their veneration for your character, I was satisfied would be highly gratified by it; and I did this the less hesitatingly from the peculiar tenor and object of my letter to you. One of these gentlemen is anxious to have a copy of your letter, with the view of producing a salutary effect on the leading republicans of Pennsylvania.2 To speak candidly, he is the decided friend of W. Crawford. Although, from the circumstances I have stated I might have inferred, that your ideas were communicated under the impression that they might be presented to the public eye, I have thought it due to you to obtain your approbation before complying with the request, as it might be followed by a publication of your letter.

The deep and increasing interest of the crisis is my apology for thus breaking in on your repose. Permit me to felicitate you on the restoration of your health, and to assure you of the cordial respect wch I continue to feel for your character