I am honored with your letter of the 23d. Inst.—The alteration directed, shall be made in the Register of Capt Talbotts commission—and I beg leave to add, without any regrets arising from my opinion on that subject being over-ruled. I never doubted that Talbot had merit equal to any man in our Service, notwithstanding his unwarrantable suspicion of my want of confidence in him, nor shall <my> this suspicion produce any change in my mind, or conduct towards him.

I believe the World will think the determination, a proper one—It shall not be my fault, if any inconvenience to the Service is produced by it—or if any circumstance should arise out of it, to occasion you a moments pain.

I have the honor to be / with the highest respect & esteem / sir Yr. most Obed Servt.