Free T. Pickering

Alexander Hamilton Esq.

New-York

H. Pickering [undecipherable] Letter [written in the left margin - left edge partially cut off:]

p. 17

-dolph’s vindication -in Fauchets letter and Spirit go to lie in a faulty [undecipherable]

• at once.

Copy Philadelphia Dec. 14. 96.

Dear Sir,

The printer of Mr. Randolph’s vindication advertises that it will be published next Friday the translation of Fauchets’ letter will be in it. His translation waas made by Mr. Taylor, at Randolph’s request, but Mr. Taylor, who denied the use of mine, told me that he ahd made but few variations. Now if I have mistaken the sense in my mentioned passages, it is highly probably that they will be transferred to Mr. Taylor’s translation: or Mr. Taylor may mistake the meaning & form passages to which he will always be liable from the vantage of a comprehensie view of his Subject. I have met with such instances in his other translations, altho’ he is more familiar with the French than I am.

Now it seems to me important that the first translation of Fauchets letter that shall be publishhed, should convey its true meaning: and therefore I with [undecipherable] that yours, or the one you are correcting, may be returned by to-morrow’s post (if not already on its way) that it may be printed in Fenno’s paper before the vindication appears.

I am very sincerely &

respectfully yours

T. Pickering

Col.^o Hamilton