I have not been able to decide in the affirmative: the equality of parties in the Senate, the uncertainty when we shall close the present session, and the present ignorance of the Time when we shall meet again, added to domestic considerations dissuade from the Measure—

I need not say that personal attachment & friendship would be gratified in accompanying you, nor will I affect to suppose that it would be productive of no political advantage, tho on the latter point I feel what I doubt not will be felt throughout the Country that the Business is in safe and able hands—

The french minister has delivered a formal request that Gov. Morris should be recalled; and search for a Successor is making—there is reason to beleive that the Chancellor is a forward figure in the Group & that his appointment would be very acceptable to the french— will it be adviseable to make opposition, which may prevail, but which is as likely to prove unsuccessful—

It is understood that neither Jefferson nor Madison would accept the Appointment— Farwel Yours very sincerely