I will not allow myself to attempt to express my satisfaction and Pride—at receiving your letter—

Without your authority to do otherwise I shall consider it as strictly confidential—I should hope however—that you will give me permission to relax this restriction so far as to shew it to my and your friends—under the injunction that it may not be made public or the subject—of reference in the newspapers—

I know your reluctance—and appreciate it fully—to have your opinions the topic of public discussions—especially in these times of high party excitement—when so little justice is done to the views and motives—of all men by those who happen to differ with them—

I beg you to present my best respects to Mrs Madison—and believe me most sincerely yr. Friend & servant