In tracing the conduct and Character of Genl. Jackson I have had a correspondence with Genl. Armstrong upon the subject of the provisional order to Genl. Jackson of the 18th. July 18141—authorising him on certain conditions to take possession of Pensacola. It appears that order was not recd. until after the peace, on or about the 14th. March 1815. The circumstances under which it was recd. were somewhat singular. It was open & the envelope without postmark, and though it was recd. from the post office, it was endorsed by Express. Enquiries respecting the causes of its delay h[a]ving been made to Genl. Armstrong he replies—“The letter from me authorising the attack on Pensacola, but kept back till January, was written recorded & as I am assured by Genl. Parker, regularly dispatched from the office for conveyance to the Genl. by mail. Some one having the power must have stopped it at the P. Office, or in the hands of one of the clerks, and unless the President of that day shall deny that he had any agency or privity in the stoppage, I conclude, that it was a measure directed by him, of which I was to be kept unacquainted.”

I have been further informed, in a manner though too rouned about to be yet awhile positively relied on, that Parker has asserted that the day after the letter was put in the P.O. happening to go into the Department of State, he saw it lying on that Secretary’s table.

I do not feel competent or willing to adopt any conclusion in the matter before I can have the honour to hear from you. It will occur to you at once that my readers will expect the clearest account I can give of this matter for it has a direct bearing on the satulary [sic] vigour of Genl Jackson in his unauthorised attack on Pensacola.

Should your recollection furnish any other light which you may think likely to assist me in the history of the Creek & Louisiana campaigns, I shall be very happy & thankful to receive it. I was sorry to hear of your sickness at Charlottesville & highly gratified to learn you had regained your health. The first news delayed this communication; the last I hope will justify it. With perfect respect and sincere veneration I have the honour to be your most obt & humble sert.