I have had the pleasure of recieving your Letter of the 22r. Ult,1 and also the Copy of your Gazetteer2 which you was so obliging as to leave with my Son for me; and for which I thank you. On hearing that it was published, I had a copy purchased for my own use— I shall place one in our Town Library, and dispose of some others in the manner most likely to excite attention.

As yet I have rather inspected than perused it. I have however read enough to percieve that it is not a superficial work; but that it is a good Foundation for an excellent Gazetteer. It can hardly be expected, that a work embracing so many Topics, comprehending so many minute Details, and depending for accuracy not only on the care and Correctness of the author but also of his Informants, should be brought to Perfection at the first Edition. How far the Facts and Statements in which it abounds, are free from Errors, I have not the means of ascertaining— I ascertaining Instantly [illegible]3

Your ^The^ annexing to each Article the Initials of the name of the Person ^your^ Informant, makes him responsible ^is a Reference to him^ for all the ^authenticity of all the^ Information contained in it, unless the Information given by him, is distinguished from Information not given by him ^This and yet no such Distinction of is marked or noted^— under the article Bedford for Instance, are placed the Initials of my name as your Informant, and yet it ^But it nevertheless^ contains Information that was not given by me ^and which is not correct^ vizt. that there is a Prison in this Town, and some other matters ^not [illegible]^ of less Importance— There is no Prison in this Town— the County Prison is at the White Plains— Perhaps this ^similar^ Remarks may be applicable to other articles—4

As to your Purpose of writing a History of this State—a good one is certainly desireable— the Task however will be found to be arduous— a great mass of materials, not easy to be discovered or acquired, must be collected— a clear and comprehensive view of them, and of their various Relations must precede the Selection; and much Reflection, Consideration, and Reconsideration will be requisite so to arrange them ^those selected,^ as that thoseey selected may have their proper places and Bearings.—

Had you returned from New York by way of Bedford, as you intended, it would have given me pleasure to see you— Your Letter being dated at Ballston, I am a little at a Loss how to direct this— presuming that your stated Residence continues to be at Albany, I have concluded to direct it accordingly—

I consider your having communicated to me the Extract of a Letter from Mr Adams to you, as a favor.5 The Sentiments expressed in it respecting me, immediately recalled to my Recollection the Times and Seasons when his Services to his Country and his friendship for me, made it my Duty on all proper occasions, to acknowledge and bear Testimony to both— With the best wishes that the Success of your Literary Labour may realize your Expectations I am Sir Your obliged & obt. Servt