I recd. on Saturday last, your friendly Letter of the 20th. Inst.1

No Event that is highly interesting to our Country, can be viewed with Indifference by good Citizens; and there are certain occasions when it is not only their Right, but also their Duty to express their Sentiments relative to public measures.

As the War has been constitutionally declared, the People are evidently bound to support it, in the Manner which constitutional Laws ^do or^ shall prescribe.

In my opinion the Declaration of War was neither necessary, nor expedient, nor seasonable— and I think that they who entertain this Opinion, do well in expressing it, both individually and collectively, on this very singular & important occasion.—

As to Town meetings on the Subject— The Expediency of them depends much on the question, whether and how far the Inhabitants of the Town concur or disagree in Sentimt.— When convened, their Proceedings and Resolutions should be decided and firm, and they should also be temperate and decent— there are few Ideas which cannot be decently dressed. Harsh and violent Expressions neither convince nor persuade— A Spanish Proverb says: “we cannot catch Flies with Vinegar—[”]

The irascible Passions when highly excited, are difficult to controul; and sometimes produce or lead to Events which are to be deprecated. Commotions tending to a Dissolution of the Union, or to civil war, would be serious Evils. A Change of Measures would result from a change of men Rulers; and Public opinion is the proper mean of effecting it.

I do not hesitate to express these Sentiments on proper occasions— but it would not be pleasant to be quoted in newspapers, or hand Bills, or public Speeches.

Thus my Dr. Sir! I have complied with your Request, very clearly and explicitly. It wd. have given me pleasure to have done this in Conversation and to have talked over with you many other matters both old and new.

Nancy is the only one of the Children who is with me at present. Her Health is somewhat better than it was last Summer— Present our best wishes to Mrs. V. Schaack and the Rest of the Family. I am my good Friend, your’s sincerely and affectionately—