179 2* letter to general Wajhington. 143 



wodical publication in the gazette of the United 

 States, which attention to my recommendation I feel 

 ■very sensibly, and return you for it my grateful ac- 

 knowledgements . 



In the 2ist number of that literary miscellany, I 

 inserted a monitory paper respecting America, which 

 I flatter myself, may, if attended to on the other 

 side of the Atlantic, be productive of good conse- 

 quences. 



To use your own emphatic words, '' May that al- 

 mighty Being who rules over the universe, who pre- 

 sides in the councils of nations, and whose providen- 

 tial aids can supply every human defect, consecrate 

 to the liberties and happinefs of the American people, 

 a government instituted by themselves, for public 

 •and private security, upon the basis of law, and equal 

 administration of justice ; pre^ervifig to every indi- 

 vidual as much civil and political freedom as is con- 

 .sistent with the safety of the nation ;" and may HE be 

 pleased to continue your life and strength, as long as 

 you may be in any way useful to your country. 



I have intrusted this fheet, enclosed in a box made 

 of tlie oak that fheltered our great Sir William Wal- 

 lace after tlie battle of Falkirk, to Mr Robertson of 

 Aberdeen, with the hope of his having the honour of 

 delivering it into your hands, and meeting with your 

 protection as an iioncst man seeking for bread, and for 

 fame the in new world by the exercise of his talents. 

 This box was presented to me by the goldsmiths 

 company at Edinburgh, from whom, feeling my own 

 unworthincfs, to receive this magniiicently exprefsive 

 present, I requested, and obtained permifsion, to make 



