The dayly expectation of one of the two events which I designed should put an end to my Public Services has nothing more to fix it to a period now, than there was several Months ago, and, as to carry my Papers home by Land (for I never could think of trusting them on the Ocean or Bay) was the only inducement for requiring Waggons to be retained for this service, I have, to avoid further expence on this account (as I think no great inconvenience can result from the seperation from my Papers at this time) come to a resolution of sending them off the latter end of this Week or the beginning of next Week—for my House in Virginia—being more particularly induced thereto by the present low condition of the Waggon Horses and approaching Season for bad Roads.

I mention this circumstance to you, that you may consider whether it will not be better to dispose of both Waggons and Horses at Alexandria, after the service is performed, than to March them back again—the latter will not only add considerably to the expence of the Trip, but will be a means of reducing Horses (already unfit for the Journey) so low as to be altogether unsaleable.

’Till the Waggons are loaded I cannot say how many it may take to transport my Papers; but as they are very bulky, it is probable that not less than four or five will do—In all there are Six at this place—I wish to know your determination upon the expediency of selling the Waggons and Teams which go on, and what is to be done with the remainder (if any there should be) when I leave this place. I am Sir Your Most Obedt Servt