I have this day forwarded to New Orleans under cover to Governor Claiborne, a commission appointing you one of the Commissioners for the purpose of ascertaining the rights of persons to lands within the Appelousa district in the Orleans territory, claiming under French or Spanish grants, which I hope you will be willing to undertake, and that you may find it convenient to repair to the place with as little delay as possible. I believe the proceedings of the board are suspended for want of another Commissioner. I salute you with esteem [. . . .]