I have received duly your favours of Jany 28 and March 2d. I find Dr. Ross to answer the character given of him by Mr. Dempster and shall give him the letters of recommendation desired.

I have wondered at the long delay of the ratification but a letter I have just received from the Secretary of Congress explains it to me. I enclose a copy. The Winter it seems has been as severe in America as in Europe and has hindred the meeting of a full congress: But as the seven states who were met were unanimous in the intention of ratifying, and they are a large majority of the nine states necessary for such a transaction, there is no doubt of its being done as soon as they could get together and I expect it will certainly arrive by the Washington packet in the course of this month. There does not therefore appear to me any necessity for extending the term by any formal convention, the sincere intention of both parties being to ratify, which if not done within the time mentioned was only prevented by accidents unforeseen and unavoidable. With great Esteem and affection I am ever Yours &c