I Received a Letter from you some days since upon the subject of the ensung Election, but have been prevented by absence from home from answering it soone[r].

The Sentiments of liberality and magnan[i]mity which it contains are such as from a knowledge of your Character and the quallities of your h[e]art I had a right ^to^ and did expect.

Possessed of Strong personal prejudices for Mr. Burr and feeling a pure and disinterested affection for some of his most intimate friends amongst whom I with pleasure name you as first in my Esteem. The Controversy which exists on this momentous occasion was to me of peculiar delicacy. Upon the most mature and dispassionate reflection hower I am fully impressed with the Conviction that the support of Mr. Burr would not under existing circumstances land at this time be proper or expedient, and in giving this opinion to you, I wish to be understood as not at all embracing the truth or falsity of the Charges exhibited against Mr. Burr. I do not conceive myself called upon to decide upon that Question. And knowing as I do the purity of my motives I feel persuaded they will never prove a sourse of regret to myself or dishonour to my friends. I might enter much more minutely into the Grounds upon which my Resolution has been formed, but as a discussion of this subject can not now be productive of one Salutary consequence I forbear. I flatter myself that a difference of opinion on this subject will not at all affect impair the friendly relations which have heretofore subsisted between us, for my part I know it will not.

My brother & myself have received much abuse from your friends in this Town, in their illiberal and unmanly remarks with respect to me your name has been made use of, I am confident una[u]thorisedly, my attempts on many occas[i]ons to check the fury of Mr. Burr’s enemies are now pretended to be construed by some persons who then sanctioned & authorised the attack on Mr. Burr & his friends in all its parts, into Duplicity, my heart acquits me of the Charge. They do not however by Conduct of this kind promote Mr. Burrs election. Somemost people are not to be scolded out of their opinions I hope you will excuse this scrall I write in haste, yours as heretofore