I understood from my Friend, & late Fellow Traveller, that “A Recluse Man” had been heard of, but never seen, by the principal Object of it. This Mistake alone, prompted the Author to inclose it, at first, in a blank Cover. The Idea of commenting on it, arose after it had been sealed. It was a disinterested, volunteer Effort, written at a Moment, when the Author had not the most distant Idea of ever being known, to those concerned; much less, of the distinguished Honor paid him, of noticing it, & accompanying it, with so very acceptable & valuable a Present, as the large Edition, of the Defence of the American Constitutions. The “Recluse Man” confesses, he was prompted to boast, that it was entirely a voluntary Affair, previous to, & uninfluenced by personal Acquaintances, & consequent high Respect. He had however a purer Motive. He supposed, an Instance of disinterested Zeal & Good Will, might tend to counterbalance all the possible Sting, of at least one of the many calumniating Performances, which I hope for the Honor of my Country, do not represent the Essence & Acme of Southern Wit; the Quarter from which they apparently come.

I had early purchased, the small American Edition of the “Defence” & began to read it with Attention in the Summer past. I then learned, that a heavy Attack, would be commenced in Autumn, I believe, an Anticipation retarded it. “Venienti occurrite Morbo”1 is perhaps, as good a political, as medical Rule.

I asked of Doctor Johnson, (of our College) the History of the Business of Titles, in the Senate; he explained it, as it is done in the Letter, I am honored with.2

A Prone-ness to Change, appears to be an inherent Quality of Human Nature. The first Officer in America, has escaped its Effects longer perhaps, than usually happens in a Republic; longer than his most sanguine & personally devoted Friends could have rationally counted upon. But the Tide is now turning from Adulation, to its Opposite. The Indian War; expensive Diplomatique Establishments; improper Appointments; a Hobby-horsical federal City; a vain & expensive Statue; are familiar Topics of Censure.

I consider every honest, independent Character, or Officer of Note in a Republic, almost as a temporary Martyr. A good Conscience, & a Certainty of Justice in the public Opinion, when retired from public Station & Envy, are the only sustaining Reflections; & indeed they are powerful Consolation to those who have the Magnanimity to merit them.

The very flattering Notice taken, of my slender Efforts, induces me, perhaps imprudently; to mention my having, (with the Knowledge only of a very few confidential literary Friends) aimed at Times, at some useful Purpose, by occasional Publications. In the American Museum of September 1790, an “Hints & conjectural Observations on an American Excise.” In that of July 1791–Page 25 Remarks “On Toll Bridges & Turnpike Roads.” Of August following Page 67 “Consolatory Letter to an afflicted Friend.”3

I cannot conclude, Sir, without reiterating, the very strong & grateful Impressions which I feel, on the distinguished Mark of Attention bestowed upon me, by a Character so eminent, in both Hemispheres, for Literature, Politics, & Patriotism; and that I am, / with very high & unfeigned Respect / Sir / Your most obedient & very humble Servant

As I had the Honour of knowing you personally during your short Residence here, & had seen many Proofs of your generous & disinterested Conduct, I use the Freedom to make a direct Application to yourself in the important Character & Relation in which you stand to the united & independant States of N: America.1

It is more than probable, Honle: sir, that Mr: Dumas the present Agent or chargé d’affaires from the Honle: Congress at the Hague, by some disadvantageous Circumstances in his domestic affairs, will be found, according to general Report, incapable of acting any longer in that Character by their High Mights: and consequently that that Post may become vacant. I hope therefore you will not take it amiss that I sollicit your interest in favour of my Son, who after taking his Degree in Law in this University, has now been settled for some years in the Hague. As he has married a Lady of fashion and fortune, his present genteel & independant Situation would enable him to do Honour to whatever Character might be conferr’d on him. It would ill suit me, sir, to say much in favour of my own Child. As he is universally known and respected by People of the first distinction the, and has the Honour to be particularly in the good Graces of his S: Hs: the Prince of Orange, both his Ambition & Capacity would excite & enable him to discharge the duties of such an Employment with propriety & Reputation. He is now in his 28th: year, in the prime & Vigour of Life, & would esteem the honour of such a Character more highly than the Profits or Emoluments resulting from it. His moral principles & Conduct, I can assure you, are irreproachable. As, I dare say, you still remember the very worthy & learned Dr: Maclean, with whom he is connected as member of his Church Council there, you may, if anyways consistant with your other Views, freely apply to him or any one else of your 100 Acquaintance, for farther Information. A letter or Sollicitation from my Son will accompany this, both which, your known Candour, I hope, will excuse & favourably receive. After assurances of the profoundest Respect, I have the Honour, very Honle: sir, to sign myself / Your most obedient humble Servant