[(private)] New York the 11^th of February 1790 [XXV· 135 3800 757] From the utmost hesitation of mind th[undecipherable] you will receive this note with the same cordiality that it is dictated, from me my dear [undecipherable] [undecipherable] to felicitate you on the return of— [undecipherable] birth day This profession of an heart felt affection, as [I've] removed from a cold com- pliment to your present honourable Station, as the relative indulgence of the pen to [undecipherable] utter darkness, [I] could not have myself offer in [undecipherable], well knowing my [undecipherable] weakness on the occasion May you live, and head th[undecipherable] [undecipherable] theatre of this globe, while you[undecipherable] [undecipherable] and happiness [undecipherable] but no longer — I do not wish you long hope as the [undecipherable] deep blessing, believing through th[e] [im]mutability of the mind — and that that [undecipherable] grace of experience will present you with [undecipherable] highly superior [undecipherable] on the best possible [undecipherable] in this. I am my dear Sir Most affectionately Your friend [undecipherable] General Washington