Congress have appropriated a sum of money to the procuring books for their use. about one half of it was laid out in London the last year, but at such prices as forbid an application to the same bookseller. mr Duane is employed this year to make the importation, partly from Paris, partly from London, & to execute the details. but, as I am anxious to have it known that the public money must be laid out with as rigorous economy as that of an individual, the proceedings of mr Duane’s correspondent at London are made subject, by my agreement with him, to your superintendance and controul. I have flattered myself you would execute this trust for us: and therefore take the liberty of inclosing you a copy of the catalogue furnished to mr Duane, and shall inclose herein a bill of exchange for about a thousand dollars, which being not yet delivered to me, I cannot particularly describe. if mr Duane’s correspondent will not furnish any particular book as cheap as it is to be got elsewhere, I wish it to be got elsewhere. we wish for good editions, not pompous ones; neat bindings, but not splendid: 8vo. and 12mo. editions to be preferred to folios and 4tos. in all cases where to be had equally good. the purchase to be made with as little delay as possible, that the books may arrive here before the meeting of Congress if possible. they should be packed in trunks, covered with oilcloth, to preserve them from damps. under this general view of what will be satisfactory here, I am persuaded I have done what is best for the public in placing this matter under your care; hoping at the same time that, the execution of the details being otherwise provided for, it will not give you great trouble. Accept assurances of my great esteem & respect.