Your favor of the 11th ult1 which I received soon after its date, was mislaid, and It did not Occur to me until two days ago that I had not answered It—

I believe the appointment of Mr Smith2 to the Sheriffs Office in Washington was a prudent Measure, and will probably afford general satisfaction.

From the best information I can procure, neither of the two characters, whom you mention, as soliciting the office of assistant Attorney, are competent to the proper discharge of Its functions. Mr John Henry3 would be perfectly Adequate but he will not take It. A Mr Bears, Son in Law to Mr Sturges4 of Connecticut has been some Years in practice in this city, he is a man of sense, having considerable abilities, and a good citizen, what his law knowledge is I really do not know, If that is Adequate, he would be a proper character for the office,—

Soon after my return from New York I requested Mr Winne5 a Surveyor to examine Lord Amhersts lands and to report to me,6 he informed me that he was to make surveys in the Summer in the vicinity of his lordships lands, and that he would then view them. Sickness prevented him from doing the one or the other, but during the last term of the Supreme Court I saw him, when he assured me that he was speedily going to that part of the Country, would examine the lands, and give me a detailed Account of them, the moment I receive It, shall transmit It.

My health is good, but a troublesome Ulcer in my thigh does not render it prudent for me to be from home, hence I believe I shall not Attend the legislature at the present session, or If at all not until towards the close of the year. I am Dear Sir with great truth Your Excellenceys Affectionate Humle. Servant,