464 PAPERS RELATING TO

which I impute to the Governor's being much perplexed at present with Business. However, as the Corporation for the Relief of Clergymen's Widows, &c is to meet at Amboy the Week after next, where I shall attend ; I intend to go from thence to Burlington to confer with his Excellency on the Subject, if I should not hear from him before that Time. [I shall communicate to you whatever Intelligence I recieve.

I am the more anxious about this affair, as I apprehend the greatest obstacle to the Memorial's taking place, will be the Fund that it requires. The Measure is so evidently necessary & the whole Design so humane & expedient in every Respect, w hich it recommends, that no Man can object to'it, or forbear wishing it success. How many Thousands are annually expended by Government on Matters which are extremely trivial compared to this! This however is what we have Nothing to do with. Could any Fund, not yet appropriated, be pointed out,--I am convinced it would greatly facilitate the Scheme, & contribute to procure for it the Countenance of Government ; for such a Fund -- would, I think, be readily granted for the purpose. If none such can be specified, the Memorial must even take its Chance. There is no Doubt that the Ministry will pay great Regard to whatever comes from you on this Head. Your Recommendation will draw their attention, if any Thing can ; for it is not only my Opinion, but that of every one besides, that there is no person whatever whose Influence is more essential to the Peace & Welfare of America than Yours at present.