I have kept the papers on the subject of raising the salaries of certain light-house keepers longer than usual, because I know that the systematic pressure on every government for augmenting salaries requires serious consideration. however if the salaries at present are not properly proportioned among themselves, I think it will be just and expedient to make them so, once for all, & hereafter to withstand individual sollicitations for particular augmentations. under this view I approve of the augmentations you propose. affectionate salutations.