I return you the paper you were so kind as to inclose me, having had scarcely time to give it a hasty perusal. my time is so entirely engrossed with the public business, now more than ever crouding on me, that it is impossible for me to bestow attention on subjects not immediately incumbent on me. no one wishes success, more than I do to domestic manufacture, & especially under present appearances; & no one will more certainly give them the most important of all encouragements, the preference of all others so far as my own wants go. but the establishing such works, the conducting them, & the having concern in them, are so entirely within the competence of private and patriotic citizens, & they are so much more competent & at leisure for them, that it would be a double abuse for me to become any thing more than their customer. I tender you my salutations & respects.