xn ADVERTISEMENT. 



world, a third is now feated, by whofe genius and know- 

 ledge, our national name will preferve a diftinguifhed place 

 in the annals of Icience. 



Permit us, Sir, on this occafion, to exprefs our fatisfac- 

 tion in this pleafing event, and in being the organs by 

 which the Society announce their choice. 



We are, 



With Sentiments of Efteem and 



Refpedt, Sir, 



Your obedient Servants, 



Samuel Magaw, 1 ^ , • ^ , 



_ ' becretaries of the 



Jonathan Williams, I American Phiiofo- 



WlLLIAM Barton, ^pliical Society of 



John Bleakley, J i-^'i^dciphia. 



Thomas Jefferson, Efq. 



To this letter, Mr. Jefferfon, on the twenty -eighth of 

 January, 1 797, replied as follows : 



Montlcello^ 'Jan. 28, 1797. 

 Gentlemen, 

 I have duly received your favor of the 7th inft. inform- 

 ing me that the American rhilofophlcal Society have been 

 pleafed to name me their Prefident. The fuffrage of a body, 

 which comprehends whatever the American world has of 

 diftinftion In philofophy and fclence In general, is the moft 

 flattering Incident of my life, and that to which 1 am the 

 moft feniible. My fatlsfadtion would be complete, were it 

 not for the confcioufnefs that it Is far beyond my titles. I 

 feel no qualification for this diftinguifhed poft, but a fincere 

 zeal for all the objects of our inftitution, and an ardent 



defire 



