I have been applied to by Judge Reeve one of the most virtuous and respectable men in Connecticut, for assistance in a matter, in which his feelings are deeply interested. Prior to the last election, the leading Democrats in Connecticut, assumed the style of the General Committee of the Republicans and published an address to the Freemen, in which among other Falshoods, they impudently asserted that the Federalists were opposed in sentiment to General Washington and that the day of his retirement from Office, was to them a day of rejoicing.

     To refute this flagrant Falshood, an answer was written, which has been attributed to Judge Reeve, in which among other proofs that Genl Washington was no Democrat, a Letter written by the Genl to Mr Carroll in 1798, was recited. The hardy Democrats now deny the existance of such a Letter and affect to consider it as a federal forgery, invented to prop up their cause, by connecting it, with the popularity of Genl Washington. Strange as the fact may appear to you, a serious issue has been joined, whether the Federal measures during Mr Adams' administration, did or did not receive Genl Washingtons support.

     I shall take measures, for ascertaining the authenticity of the Letter to Mr Carrol, which has been published in most of the Papers in this Country, but am more desirous of making use of a document which would put the question which has been raised forever at rest.

     Mr Archibald Campbell of this City is in possession of the original Letter of which I enclose you a Copy, and which I am assured is the only one which has ever been taken. Mr Campbell will allow me to take a Copy for my own use, but I shall not accept it; without your approbation. I consider you as the distinguished depositary of every paper which can affect the character of our late illustrious Chief. Mr Campbell will with your permission deliver the original Letter to you, and considering the fate which would probably befall it, in some hands, I am of opinion, that this would be a proper disposition of it.

     I have to request your permission to receive a Copy from Mr Campbell for the use of Judge Reeve, and if you think fit to grant your permission, and to prescribe any conditions or limitations upon the use of it, I will be responsible, that he shall honourably observe them. The use which has been made of the Letter here, has been to permit a perusal of it, without taking a Copy. Mr Campbell is under no restrictions other than such as his good sense and discretion imposes. In a case of this nature, it appears clear to my mind, that the Freinds of Genl Washington may make the same use of the opinions, which have been left on record, which he would make, if he were living; and if this rule is correct, the Letter may with propriety be published. Nothing is more certain, than that if Genl Washington was now living and a witness of the events which are passing, he would not permit his character & fame to be employed, in subverting measures, which he approved & in stigmatizing the characters of his personal Freinds. I have the honour to be with the highest Esteem, Dr Sir, your obedt Sert