By a letter, I recd. from Mrs. Holten a few days since, I understand that postage was demanded & paid on a letter of mine, & my name and the word free, was bloted out on the out side of the letter, & the postage being required at your office, & some other circumstances leads me to think that my name was struck out at your office, however, I can't yet believe it was done by your order, but if I should not hear from you upon the subject I may alter my opinion, & if so, I must ask what authority you had for doing it, as I must suppose you knew the members of Congress had a right to frank their letters.(2)

   I am, Sir, your most obedient,

   FC (MHi: Holten Paper). In the hand of Samuel Holten. Addressed: "Mr. Mascol Williams, or the Post Master at Salem."