“Sir,
“The American Philosophical Society embrace the present occasion of a meeting for stated annual business, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, dated Nov. 15th, addressed to their treasurer; in which you are pleased to inform him, that you have paid the 308l. due to the late Judge Hopkinson, and will lay the bond and mortgage before the Society; expressing your hopes, that this benefaction, on your part, may “encourage the Society to exert themselves to get rid of some other heavy debts and incumbrances.”
“This renewed instance of your liberality joined to the consideration of the illustrious part which you have taken in their labours, for many years past, has made such an impression upon them, that they are at a loss in what manner they can best express their gratitude, or their respect and veneration for your name.
“At any time, and in any country, such a “brilliant present” would indicate a mind that can feel the inseparable connection between Learning and Human Felicity: But in the present state of our finances, it is a most important benefaction; and a noble specimen of Literary Patronage in a young empire, where many other improvements must share with the Arts and Sciences, in the public attention and bounty.
“We are sensible of the necessity of extinguishing the other heavy debts of the Society, with all possible speed, and have appointed a proper committee for that purpose.
“Signed in behalf, and by order, of the Society, at a meeting held the 16th day of December, 1791.
“John Ewing, William Smith, Th. Jefferson, Vice Presidents.
“James Hutchinson, Jonathan Williams, Samuel Magaw, Secretaries.”
To which address, Dr. Rittenhouse returned this answer.
“Gentlemen,