I am this day honoured with your letter of the 12th. of January, accompanied with a number of Copies of the Constitution of the Pensylvania Society for promoting the abolition of Slavery, and the relief of free Negroes unlawfully held in bondage; and the laws of Pensylvania which related to one of the Objects of their Constitution, as also a Copy of Thomas Clarksons excellent Essay upon the Commerce and Slavery of the Africans; which several Pamphlets I receive with pleasure and request You to accept my grateful Acknowledgments for the same.

I have the satisfaction to inform your Excellency, that the Legislature of this State have, some years since, taken effectual measures to abolish Slavery in this State; an Extract of the Statute relative to that subject is herewith enclosed.

Be assured Sir, that my exertions will not be wanting to prevent the nefarious practice of importing Slaves into the United States, by Vessels fitted out in this State: should any such practice be attempted, I am persuaded the Legislature of the State would exert their Authority to prevent it. I have the honour to be, With the highest regard Your humble Servant,