I fear you will begin to suspect me of neglect in complying with your request in relation to the pamphlet of Mr. Pinkney. I have however always borne it in mind, and pursued my inquiries at every convenient opportunity, intending to communicate the final result, rather than trouble you with its details.

I have not been able to trace Childs’ Papers. They are probably dispersed or lost. There is however a large collection of Old Pamphlets in the Library of the Historical Society, and Mr. Delafield, who has charge of it at present, thinks he has seen one bearing the Same, or a very Similar title to that of Mr. Pinckney among them. He has promised to initiate a search, but being Cashier to a Bank, & a great Busy Body in all things, his time is not at his own disposal. He has the key of the Library, which if he would confide to me, I might make the [ ] myself. But he likes best to have a hand in these matters himself, and I shall not fail to urge him from time to time, to the performance of his promise. I shall not fail in like manner to attend to your suggestion that the Pamphlet may be in the Library of the late Mr King, and give myself the pleasure of writing you again, as soon as I have any thing to communicate.

I take this opportunity of expressing my most gratefull feelings, for your kindness in replying to my request on the subject of the Biographies. I am gratified to think I perceive in Your Letter indications, that you intend to add to the Claims you have already established to the veneration and gratitude of Your Country, by leaving her as a Legacy, a history of Your Public Life, or at least of the Public affairs in which You bore so conspicuous a part. In the mean time, may I respectfully, yet earnestly urge You to complete the sketch you speak of as having been prepared for another purpose, & to confide it to my discretion. If I never live to make use of it, I will leave it a legacy to my children, to let them know their father was honored with the regard of one of the most able & virtuous of all his cotemporaries.

Mrs. Paulding & myself equally unite in our best wishes for the health & happiness of Yourself and Mrs. Madison. My Boys are not Yet old enough to know what they and their Countrymen owe You, but they will live I trust, to read it in the History of their Country. I am Dr. Sir Your gratefull friend & Serv.