While the nations of europe have been convulsed with war, we have, under the auspices of your wise administration remained at peace, and cultivated the fields of science; but the crisis seems fast arriving, which portends that, we shall soon be either swallowed up in the vortex of Charybdis, or dashed to peices on the rock of Scylla: The same wisdom which has carried us through so many perils & dangers, will under providence, enable you to navigate our political bark between the rocks & whirlpools, and convey us into the harbour of safety.— As you have contributed much to the Science of government & of Philosophy, allow me to draw your attention for one moment from the business of the Cabinet, & offer for your consideration the enclosed memoir: As our volume will not be published so soon by six months as was expected, I take the liberty of obtruding this paper upon you, & I hope you will, as President of the Society, excuse me, and if it should be found to be either new or intertaining (as the former is esteemed) I shall feel much gratified.—

I remain with sentiments of the highest consideration, Your Excellencies Most Obnt Vry Hble. Svt.