I am thankful to you for the explanation in your note of the 29th. without which the cause of declining my invitations to dine might have been mistaken & would have given pain. the independance of the mind is one of it’s best qualities, & if you suppose it could have been lessened, by that kind of intercourse, you are right in declining it, & no one has a right to complain. be assured that understanding the motive, I take not the least umbrage at it, and shall always be glad to see & associate with you in any other way more agreeable to you. I cultivate personal intercourse with the members of the legislature that we may know one another and have opportunities of little explanations of circumstances, which, not understood might produce jealousies & suspicions injurious to the public interest, which is best promoted by harmony and mutual confidence among it’s functionaries. I depend much on the members for the local information necessary in local matters, as well as for the means of getting at public sentiment. I pray you however to be assured that with respect to yourself I yield with frankness to your particular way of thinking, and shall be glad to recieve any communications from you in whatever way you shall prefer & at whatever times; tendering you my salutations & assurances of great respect & esteem.