I wrote to Mr. Smith on Friday last, agreeably to your request, on the subject of the extract from Comnde Preble’s letter to him—& I this morning received his answer of which the following is a copy.

“Not having Commre Preble’s private letter here, I cant send to the President the proposed extract. And as it contains much confidential matter and is besides among all my private letters I cant put you in the possession of it—I hope however there will be no injury arising therefrom as the resolution of the House does not call for such information, & as the opinion of the Dept has in a former report been submitted to Congress”

As it appears probable that we shall not be able to procure the extract in season, I take the liberty of returning to you the statements as they were received—

I have the honor to be respectfully, Sir, yr mo ob St.