Sir,

In acknowledging the receipt of your Excellency’s letter of the 29^th of May, I cannot forbear to congratulate you and the people of your State upon the happy event which has since taken place by the adoption and ratification of the Constitution of the United States by the Convention of Rhode Island.

Having now attained the desirable object of uniting under one general Government all those States which were originally confederated, we have a right to expect, with the blessing of a divine providence, that our Country will afford us all those domestic enjoyments of which a free people only can boast; and at the same time secure that respectability abroad which she is entitled to by nature and from circumstances. Since the bond of Union is now complete, and we once more consider ourselves as one family, it is much to be hoped that reproaches will cease and prejudices be done away; for we should all remember that we are members of that community upon whose general success depends our particular and individual welfare; and, therefore, if we mean to support the Liberty and Independence which it has cost us so much blood and treasure to establish, we must drive far away the demon of party spirit and local reproach.

I should be deficient in politeness as well as sensibility were I to close this letter without acknowledging the impression, which the great personal regard and warm wishes for my individual felicity expressed in your Letter has made on me. I have the honor &c.