they [strikethrough: think] proper eventually to revoke our appointments we shall to the best of our abilities proceed in the further discharge of it upon the same principles — We have the honor to be Gentlemen & yours &^c a my Pierce David Henley I am in my own person a free and free and can as conscientiously declare that the opinions which I have given have been as an uninfluenced [by], or affection attachd to or hopes of reward from either of the contracting parties as the above Gentlemen and that such opinions proceeded from the purest intentions as well as the fullest views & most perfect knowledge of the subject as Testimony recently examined will clearly evince. Having long since acquiesced in the determination already had by this Board I shall as readily consider myself bound to prosecute the objects of our appointments so long as the means are in our power for so doing. — I have the honor to be Gentlemen yours most obt (signed) William Heth To George Mason, George Nicholas, J Gordon, J Marshall and Benjamin Harrison Esquires Members of a Committee of the House of Delegates of Virginia Richmond January 3^d 1788— Gentlemen On the 25 ulti. I did myself the honor to inform the Board that the House of Delegates of this State had interfered in the business at which I am at present employed and at the same time inclosed a copy of the proceedings. I now also do myself the honor to enclose the copy of a letter from the Committee of the House and our answer thereunto and I presume by the next post I shall be under the Necessity to enclose the solemn protest of the Legislature against our further proceedings. My situation Gentlemen at this time is not only a delicate but in some measure an unhappy one. I have to oppose with firmness and temper the Legislature of a state and to encounter with patience a Man connected with me in the office of the most suspicious and vindictive temper who without the least cause has blown up such a flame as will prevent the State being satisfied, in any Settlement founded on principles and on an examination of any accuracy to be acceded and am, in so hostile a manner given me the greatest pain especially when I reflect that I have as yet discharged this duty with the utmost fairness, have [strikethrough: without] admitted without a necessity principles which will comprehend ample justice to the State & that I have not the least bias given me for any Candor or impartiality in this case — I have the honor to be with great Respect Gentlemen your obt Set^t John Pierce The Honorable The Board of Treasury