I had the honour to receive per post your Excellency’s favor of the 4th Ultimo and though I am not in the honourable station you mention have taken the liberty to reply.

It must give great pleasure to every man of reflection to see the establishment of Societies for promoting the abolition of slavery, the exertions of great and good men together with the spirit of times will soon put an end to this abominable proceeding in America.

The information which your Society have received respecting Vessels belonging to this state being employed in the Slave Trade is intirely without any foundation whatever, it is now more than twenty years since any Vessel has been fitted out from this place on such a cruel Voyage. I am well knowing to the Commerce of this State and I verily believe not a single person whatever either directly or indirectly is now, or has been for numbers of years back concerned in this horrible traffick.

This State would by no means permit this Commerce and should any man indirectly engage in it he would be most heartily despised and perhaps be obliged to leave his Country. I have the honour to be With the highest Sentiments of Esteem and Respect Your Excellency Most Obedient Servant