I have received your letter of the 7th instant, giving an extract of Mr Nicholas's letter to you. With respect to the request contained in it, I leave the matter entirely to his own discretion with your advice—to advance, or halt, according to the tenableness of his ground, & circumstances.

     If he could prove, indubitably, that the letter addressed to me, with the signature of Jno. Langhorne, was a forgery, no doubt would remain in the mind of anyone, that it was written with a view to effect some nefarious purpose. and if the person he suspects, is the real Author or abettor it would be a pity not to expose him to the Public execration; for attempting, in so dishonorable a way, to obtain a disclosure of Sentiments of which some advantage could be taken— But Mr Nicholas will unquestionably know; that if the proofs fail, the matter will recoil—and that the statement must be full, and not a partial one that is given to the Public, not only as the most satisfactory mode of bringing it before that tribunal, but shortest in the result: for he will have a persevering phalanx to contend against.

     It seems to me that he would be obligd to disclose the manner, in which his correspondence & mine began, & the motives wch led to it, for until the discovery was made, & communicated by him to me, that Jno. Langhorne was a fictitious name, I had not the smallest suspicion thereof; but, on the contrary, viewed the production as that of a Pedagogue, who was desirous of exhibiting a few of his flowers. and after returning a civil, but short answer, never thought more of him, or his letter, until the history of the business was developed by Mr Nicholas. All this must appear; or contrivance would be retorted. I will only add that, as Mr Nicholas has made you a confidant in this business, I shall acquiesce with pleasure in any Steps he may take, that will bring me forward, with your concurrence. If a trick so dirty & shabby as this is supposed to be, could be clearly proved, it would, in my opinion, be attended with a happy effect, at this time; but, on the other hand, if it should be attempted & fail, the reverse would be the consequence.

     I little thought when I retired to the Shades of Private life, last year, that any event would happen, in my day, that could bring me again on the Public theatre; but so it is; & the remnent of a life which required ease & tranquillity, will end more than probably in toil & responsibility.

     Your mother left us on friday; for your Brother Corbins, after giving us the pleasure of her's, & Nancy Washington's Company, eight or ten days. Corbin's wife is much better, & hopes are entertained of her being perfectly restored.

     Your Aunt & the family unite with me in best wishes for yourself & Mrs Washington; and I am, My dear Sir, Your sincere friend, and Affecte Uncle