At the last stated meeting of the Philosophical Socyety it was notified to your Excellency and some of the members that I should read a discourse this evening. Some inevitable impediments prevent me from having that honour; but I hope to perform the engagement this day two weeks. As the matter happened to be mentioned, I thought it my duty to make this apology for my absence, though otherwise of no consequence.

I have the honor to be with the most sincere respect Your Excellency’s most obedient humble servant