I have received, my friends, your letter of the 25. instant, inviting me, in behalf of a portion of the Citizens of Orange, to be a guest at their proposed festive celebration on the 4th. of July. The respect we all feel for that great anniversary would render the occasion of meeting them highly gratifying to me; but the very feeble state to which I am reduced by a tedious indisposition, does not permit me to consult my inclinations. I avail myself therefore of the alternative you suggest of substituting a sentiment; and I offer one which accords with the sensibility expressed by the Committee, to the painful aspect given to our National Confederacy, by conflicting opinions on important questions among its members.

"May the political discords in our Country, so grateful to the enemies, be speedily brought to a conclusion that will inspire fresh confidence in the friends of our free institutions."

I pray the Committee to accept my acknowledgements for the terms, but too partial, in which they have communicated the invitation, and to be assured of my sincere esteem and regard for them individually.