I hope, sir, that some young gentleman, of the ancient and honourable family of "The Searchers," will hereafter do impartial justice, both to Virginia and Massachusetts.
After all this freedom, I assure you, sir, it is no flattery, when I congratulate the nation on the acquisition of an attorney general of such talents and industry as your "Sketches" demonstrate.
With great esteem, I am, Sir,
Your friend and humble servant,
JOHN ADAMS.
Mr. Wirt, Attorney General of the United States.
TO THE SAME.
Quincy, January 23, 1819.
Sir,