To John Adams from William Bentley

Your letters on the day of our nation’s birth are in consent with the wonderful character you have supported in the best services to your country. Our young orator, Mr Andrew Dunlap, has expressed our gratitude & hopes. He is a son of Harvard, on his mother’s side from our primitive families, a gentleman of the bar, a man of talents & of the best prospects. Permit me to accompany his oration with these assurances, & allow me the opportunity to express the highest respect to the man, the statesman & the patriot, who has & deserves the first honours of his Country

With the highest respect, / Your devoted Servant