I wish to stand on the ground of truth

This is from my letter to Robert Smith, July 1, 1805:

I communicate it to particular friends because I wish to stand with them on the ground of truth, neither better nor worse than that makes me. You will perceive that I plead guilty to one of their charges, that when young & single I offered love to a handsome lady. I acknowledge its incorrectness; it is the only one, founded in truth among all their allegations against me. You are among those whose esteem I value too much to risk it by silence.