I had the honor of observing to you this morning, that the commissioners ought not, in my opinion, nor indeed in the opinion of Mr Jefferson and Mr Madison, to abandon the legal title to the lots sold.1

The facility, which occurred to me, was, that the commissioners might by a power of attorney authorize Mr Pinckney 2 or any other of our ministers residing at places abroad, where Mr Greenleaf might sell lots, to convey the legal title to any purchasers, whom he may designate, upon receiving the purchase money for public use. It is true, that some of the lots may be worth more, than the average-price stipulated, and that sales may be made of the choicest. Still I should think, that the personal obligation of Messrs Greenleaf and Morris, added to the hold on the remaining lots, would sufficiently secure the U.S. against the inconvenience of picking the lots; that is, would always secure the payment of the remainder.

I have mentioned nothing of lots, which Mr Greenleaf may sell here; because the legal title of them may be at any moment adjusted. I have the honor, sir, to be, with the highest respect, yr mo. ob. serv.