Washington Dec 16th 1831 Sir, I have had the honor to receive your official note cocovering a certificate of my election to the 22nd Congress in October last. Having been elected in the May preceding at that time, & in the manner prescribed by law & having been admitted and qualified in virtue of credentials, consisting of the returns of the various counties shewing a majority of the voters in my favor, I cannot recognize any infringement of their rights in the form of another election. At the same time I am duly sensible of the honor they have done me, & the corresponding gratitude I am bound to|feel for this signal mark of their distinguished consideration. I am very respectfully Your [most obedient servant], Jos M White James D. Westcott, Jr. Acting Governor of Florida|Joseph M. White Dcbr.16, 1831