I intend starting for No. Carolina in a day or two, and shall return as soon as possible—Mr. Meade has not yet come on, nor have we heard from him. I should have been glad of his arrival before I started, and would now wait a few days, but this is the only time I can be spared from the land business—whilst the surveys are making &c—

Things are quiet in this quarter (except on Tom-Bigbee the people are dissatisfied on account of shutting the port of Mobile—) Also from late information hostile appearances have ceased on the other side of the Mississippi River—

Although no people would be more ready to obey a call of government for its defence, and to repell an attack than those of this Country, yet, they are pleased at the prospects of a continued peace, and appretiate its blessings.—

Permit me now to address you on a subject, which my situation will not permit me to Commit to the discretion of but few in authority—that is the salaries of the officers of the general government in this Territory. I declare to you, sir, the present salary allowed the Governor, will not more than half defray the indispensible expenses attendant on his situation as such. It is more expensive to live here than at Orleans, we have to get all our imports and most of our groceries from that place, at an advance of from one to two hundred ⅌ cent, and groceries you know form an important item in the expenditure of a publick Character, yet, the salaries of the officers in this, is two hundred & fifty ⅌ cent under those of the orleans Territory.

The fact is, I intend coming to this Country to reside, being a desireable one, but it will be impossible in Justice to myself & family, to Continue to hold the office of governor under the present salary. I would be perfectly willing to serve the publick gratis only furnish my table on an account regularly stated and approved by the accompting officers. The Judges and Secretary are also as incompetently paid. For neither of the salaries, can more than a Copying Clerk be employed in this Country—however such are the habits of the people here, that they expect and will desire their Chief Magistrate to entertain & see Company in a manner so different from other officers, that it renders his salary as incompetent as theirs. I dare say Congress will do nothing during the present session on this subject and perhaps they will have rizen before this reaches you—But I make the Communication, in order that if any additional publick service should be required in this quarter, not incompatible with my present situation, and to which I may be thought qualified, I should indeavour, if called on, not to disappoint the expectations of my government. Perhaps some arrangements with some of the adjacent tribes of Indians may be, to be made, I believe I stand well with them.

I have been so fortunate in my administration and the affections of the people here, that for certain reasons, and on account of the predictions, of a few, arising from impure motives, I would wish to Continue to serve them, and my government if possible—

I have the honor to be with Very great respect yr. Huml Servt.