The Letter wh. you did me the Honor to write on the first Day of this month,1 came to Hand as I was abt. making an Excursion into the Country or it shd. have been answd. immediately. I returnd. this afternoon— accept my thanks for these interesting Communications — I have read with pleasure the printed paper that was enclosed, and agreable to yr. Request, shd. without Delay communicate it, together with yr. Letter, to Mr. Lear’s Partners in this City,2 but really Sir! I do not know who they are, and as yet I am at a Loss to whom to apply for Information respecting them.

Your offer to explain the arts in question to Mr. Lear was friendly, and I consider myself greatly obliged by your extending that offer to me; but as my official occupations demand all my Time I think I ought not to permit any Concerns of this kind however advantageous to divert me from them—

I was this moment hond. with your’s of the 6th. Inst.3 The printed paper that was enclosed in it, shall be forwarded to President Washington by the first opportunity—4

Excellent Hops and Barley are produced in the america, but not in large Quantities— There is no Doubt however but that the Quantity of both will be augmented in proportion as the Demand for them may be increased— in the Northern States much Cyder is used.5

It will always give me pleasure to cultivate your acquaintance, and to have opportunities of manifesting the great Respect with wh. I have the Honor to be Sir yr most Qb Servt