In taking the liberty of expressing some solicitude at your absence at the present time you will I am sure attribut the freedom to nothing short of great respect for you as well as a public sentiment which I feel to be patriotic— An opposition in moments of election must be expected by the best & most enlightened— That something like opposition has taken place with respect to the election of a Vice President you may probably have been informed— You will excuse me if I Express a wish that you were here— It seems a very general wish of your warm friends who in that wish do not imagine that the dignity of a philosophical independence would be at all wounded because the Session has actually commenced— I do assure you Sir I have lamented that just on the Eve of a most important election the chair of the Senate should be filled by a president pro tempore— The public mind is thus led off from the Theory of the Office to a contemplation of a practical substitute which fills the routine without seeming to derange the theory—

Could you come, Sir, your friends I dare believe would much rejoice & consider it as a sacrifise to their wishes & hopes in the ensuing election—

I beg to be affectionately remembered by Mr. J. Q. Adams—& my most respectful compliments to Mrs: Adams.1

I am Dear Sir / With every sentiment of respectful / attachment / Yr mo. ob / Sert.