My last letter left you advocating, in legislative caucus, the unanimous nomination of De Witt Clinton for the office of Governor. This caucus, it will be remembered, was held on the 27th of March, 1817. After his election in April you soon ascertained that you had not the confidence of, and would have but little or no influence with, the then dominant party.

It is believed that no candid man who peruses the preceding letters can view you in any other light during the year 1812, than as an opponent of the war and its friends; and as having “changed fronts” from mercenary and selfish considerations, after the election of Mr. Madison, and triumph of the war party.

In preceding letters it has been demonstrated that from 1811 to 1813, you were the advocate and supporter of that class of politicians who were opposed to the war; that you were the untiring opponent of James Madison, and the devoted adherent of De Witt Clinton. And here let me again remark that it is not intended to discuss the merits or demerits of Mr.

During the year 1812, and for sometime previous, you was a resident of Hudson. Mr. James A. Hamilton was also a resident of the same place.- Congenial spirits, an intimacy was formed, which has ripened into a most affectionate and tender friendship. The ties which now bind you together are indissoluble.

Before proceeding to notice your official acts, I shall, very briefly, recur to two incidents which may be considered indicative of the cast of your mind. You well know, sir, that for a time you was employed in the office of the late Judge William P. Van Ness.

Through the medium of your paper, I propose, with your permission, to address a series of letters, to the Hon. Martin Van Buren, Vice President of the U. States. It is my wish to bring before the American people, a true history of this gentleman’s career.

You will no doubt have heard that General Cass has been perambulating the states of the Union in search ("not of a father" like Marryat's Japhet) but of people willing to making him a father to our great Republic.

I beg you to be assured that my delay in complying with your request is in no degre[e] attributable to a wan[t] of respect for yourself o[r] indifference to the interests of the institution in behal[f] of which you have add[ed] me. Your letter was mislaid immediately aft[er] it was recd. & not recoverd until now.

I cheerfully comply with your request by sending you my autograph, & thank you for the friendly expression contained in your letter.