priate) a preference being given lo slrangers merely because Lhcy are strangers or favorites merely because they arc favorites. This has repeatedly been charged & I fear allhough it may be untrue & I hope it is, yet that in some instance, it looks too plausible not to be believed by many. And in this deplorable state of human weakness and disposition to censure, we should not only endeavour to preserve a conscience void of offence, but lo avoid all reasonable ground of suspicion. These I hope you will understand as general remarks neither intended to criminate or wound the feelings of the President or one single member of the Cabinet for all of whom I entertain individually and collectively, the highest respect and kindest feelings. Apart from what I have already Staled, there arc other reasons which do not leave me at liberty lo remain longer among you, whatever might be my individual wishes upon the subject. I left the place of my nativity about fifteen months ago with the intention of returning in a short time lo settle considerable business which I had on hand both of a publick & private nature. Sickness in the first place & the interes( I felt in your struggles for Liberty afterwards, has detained me, up to th.is period. And without claiming to merit applause, I shall be more than satisfied for the Little I have done either in the field or the cabinet should I escape just ground of censure. The result however has been lo bring upon me considerable pecuniary loss at home and absolute indigence here, having expended what little of means I brought with me and accumulated some debts without having ever called or received one cent in any way whatever or one acre of land from the government, while many in your country arriving here long since I did & performing no publick services have received large grants of the most valuable lands in your country. Under these circumstances you will see the necessity of the course which I am constrained to take on this occasion, however strong my wishes might be to assist in your councils, and mingle in your society I am aware I have gone more into my own private affairs than is either usual or dignified on such occastions, this I hope you will from the circumstances excuse & believe me your obedient servant Jas. Collinsworth
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