Tho’ perhaps the last, yet not behind any in sincerity and truth, I congratulate you on your safe arrival to America, and particularly into that Country and City, which has received so many favors from you, and oftentimes has been so highly honored by your past Labors and Exertions for her Welfare and Benefit.

When I look back so long ago as the Year 1754, and reflect on your great care of the interests and happiness of America generally, in the wise Plan proposed for the Union of the Colonies, at the Treaty at Albany; and advance forward to the Year 1776, and contemplate the great share you had in the establishing the Virtuous Independency of America; and go on to consider your abundant fatigues in an advanced Life, whilst you were so honorably and highly engaged in its Interests, Safety and Protection at the Court of France, and indeed throughout Europe, it may with exactness of truth be said, You went about doing Good.

Every good Man must feel an uncommon Satisfaction of Mind at your Return; how much more at your Condescension to Preside in this State. May your Efforts, as heretofore, be blessed, and rewarded with Success; and when the irrevocable moment of the great change be come, may you sleep in Christ, and participate of the Eternal Joys that the Heart of Man hath not yet conceived, is the ardent wish and prayer of Sir with the most perfect Esteem and Respect Your very obedient Servant