I have not yet red. an answer to the letter you speak of. In the proper time I will communicate with you on that subject. I am much relieved by Mr Ver Planks letter ^has relieved me greatly.^ If the extract had appeared in almost any other ^a^ paper the ^of doubtful^ friendship of the editor of which was in any degree doubtfull I should without hesitation ^could not but^ have regarded it as a design to burlesque. As it was, I was entirely unwilling to put that construction upon & ^but at the same time^ unable ^satisfactorily^ to explain ^account for^ it.

The american has come out for Adams. As to that I say nothing, for it is enough for me to take care of my own course ^political concerns^ & as I suffer no one to interfere it with that. I am far from wishing to do so with that ^those^ of others.

The ground on which it means to support Mr A. is that the old distinctions of party are and ought to be obsolete. ^The article is full to this point & doubtless so intended.^ On this subject I will make a prophecy & let it remain between us. It is that in less than six months ^If^ Mr VrPlanck (& ^or Mr^ Charles ^King^ for he I take it wrote the piece article ^it the <article>^) will find themselves ^gain more by it than to find^ themselves in a ^<illegible>^ cheek by jole with with those of their former political friends engaged in a common cause with ^with those with whom they formerly acted & labours upon and <illegible>^ all ^that^ it confidence <deslo> and good feelings which can alone make political co-operation tolerable destroyed & at the expense of <rending> <man> & regulating ^in a hopeless contest I will be more deceived than I expect to be.^ Their sacrifices & labours of the last three years ^as it appears to be lightly regarded or perhaps experience has satisfied them that the states antebellum and is preferable^. I think I understand & urge justly appreciate the motives which lead to this course & the source from whence it proceeds & whilst I express no opinion upon it I wish to be expressly understood as not condemning it. That it cannot now succeed is to my mind certain nor do I believe that its failure is deemed by those who think it proper in an objection to its present fitness or ultimate utility. From that conclusion I also dissent. In my judgmt it will protract instead of facilitate our emancipation from an influence which is regarded as injurious ^to the country^ & discreditable to us. But it is not for me to impugn ^question^ the opinion of riper years & I may be wrong. Let the result decide between us. In the article of which I speak there are several remarks which are can regarded as ^though I hope not^ intended to have unfriendly allusions to myself & as much as they were ^are nevertheless^ susceptible of that construction. they might if not so intended as well have been omittd.