I have the Honor to enclose you a list of the Articles transmited you by Captain Stoddard, which may I hope afford you an Hours amusement.—

The Cotton Tree (Populus Deltoide of Bartram) is rarely to be found above limestone on the Ohio, but abounds on the Bottom of that River below the Rapids, and on the Mississippi & Missouri as high up as I have been—The favourite Soil of this Tree is Alluvian, its growth is rapid beyond example, its size Majestic &, when compared with the smallness of its seed, is almost incredible—from defects of Enquiry & experiment, hitherto this has been pronounced a useless wood, but I am inclined to believe it may hereafter be found a valuable one, for Shingles, Clap Boards, Rails & more particularly for Sugar Boxes, as it is remarkably light & soft & holds a nail well—

I have received satisfactory information of a Copper mine on the Waters of the Osage River, & of a White Metal the quality of which my Informant could not ascertain; the season is to far advanced to send in quest of these Objects but they shall occupy my attention early in the spring.

Lead ore appears to be a general product of this Country,—It is to be found on both sides the Missisippi as high up as Prarie des Chiens, & West on the superior branches of the Osage River—This mineral presents an Interesting Subject, to the patronage of Government & the Enterprize of Individuals, for the accommodation of Mankind—Judiciously fostered it is at an early Day, to employ thousands of Hands to become an important Staple export, and produce Millions of Dollars—I think Government should invite the enquiries & Labours of the Enterprizing & Industrious, by partial donations or liberal leases within defined Limits.

The three great Objects to which you directed my attention, are in my Judgement all attainable, viz: The prevention of the Trade from Canada to the West of the Mississippi—The depopulation of our loose settlements below this on the Mississippi & its branches—and the transfer of the Southern Indians to this Territory—But for their accomplishment, decisive Legislative sanctions, a Zealous faithful & cordial cooperation among the public functionaries in this Quarter, and some Money will be found indispensable.

The first Object may be accomplished, by a strong Military post at the Arkansaw, to make necessary Detachments, and a Law prohibiting the Intercourse under severe & heavy penalties—The second by discouragements to the present Establishments, & allurements to a change of position—and the Third, by a permanent peace between the Osa[. . . .] & the Tribes to be moved, a partition & distribution of the vacant Territory, national annuities bounties to great Warriors, & pensions to leading Chiefs—

Depopulation must precede the transfer of the Indians, and this will never be accomplished whilst high official Characters within the Territory encourage the expectation of our speedy admission into the Union, and treat your Ideas as the Speculations of an Individual, which are not to have effect—It is not by preparing Beds of down, that we are to get rid of unwelcome Guests—On this subject I have been obliged to act with much caution & reserve because the extent of my utility, will be measured in some degree, by my influence with the People, & to preserve this I must avoid saying or doing unpalatable things—Col. Jno. B. Scott, who has returned to Virginia for his Family, and who is the soundest & ablest officer of the Territory, will wait on you, & can give you correct information on this point—

The Bearer Mr. Park of the Indiana Territory, will have the Honor to deliver this you, and I am persuaded that in Him you will find a pure source of information touching the Affairs of Louisiana—

I hope you will pardon this tedious trespass on your time, and that you will believe me, with great respect & attachment

Your faithful & obliged Servant