Philadelphia, March 2, 1795.
Sir: The letter with which you favored me dated the 2d. Ulto., came duly to hand. I am at a loss for words to convey the sense I entertain of the favorable sentiments you have been pleased to express for me in that letter.
To the Great ruler of events, not to any exertions of mine, is to be ascribed the favorable termination of our late contest for liberty. I never considered the fortunate issue of any measure adopted by me in the progress of the Revolution in any other light than as the ordering of kind Providence; and if the partiality of my Countrymen do justice to my motives thro' that arduous struggle; and to those which have since occurred in the administration of the present Government, as, the result of the contest it is the only reward I ever sought, and the greatest that could be conferred on, sir, Your etc. 9
[Note:From the "Letter Book" copy in the Washington Papers . ]