I have this moment recd. your letter of the 3rd inst. I regret extremely that you should have suffered the imputation of an act, which, whatever may be its effect upon the feelings of the Patroon, <illegible> ^cannot in^ justice be attributed to you or any one of your political friends. The Gentleman who wrote the article in question is I believe a personal friend of yours, but to my knowledge not a political nor a confidential one. I am not at liberty at present to disclose his name, but I do most unhesitatingly declare, that the article in consideration did not come from you or any of your numerous political friends. But from one who whatever may be the extent of his personal & friendly feelings towards you, has never to my knowledge been your political associate. It gives me pleasure to make this full & frank declaration and I seriously hope it will remove any unjust suspicions which may have attached to you or your friends. I am with great &c &c yours