Whatever Expectations Might have been Rais’d from the Sense of past favors, the Goodness of the United States for me has ever been such, that on every occasion it far surpasses any idea I could have conceiv’d— A new proof of that flattering truth, I find in the Noble present which Congress have been pleas’d to honor me with, and which is offered in such A Manner By Your excellency, as will exceed Any thing, But the feelings of My unbounded Gratitude— Some of the devices I Can’t help finding too honorable A Reward for those slight services which in Concert with My fellow soldiers, and under the God like American hero’s orders, I had the Good luck to Render— The sight of those Actions where I was a witness of American Bravery and patriotic spirit, I will ever enjoy with that pleasure which Becomes a heart glowing with love for the Nation, and the Most ardent zeal for theyr Glory and happiness.

Assurances of Gratitude which I Beg leave to present to Your excellency are much unadequate to My feelings, and nothing But those sentiments May properly acknowledge Your kindness towards me— The polite Manner in which Mr. Franklin was pleas’d to deliver that inestimable sword, lays me under Great obligations to him, and demands my particular thanks.

With the most perfect Respect I have the honor to Be Your excellency’s Most obedient humble servant