I received yours covering the papers from Maryland this day. And enclose an answer which I must pray you to forward I have accepted the appointment principally induced thereto by your being my colleague1

You have heard of the issue of our Massachusetts business2 But you may not have heard that while we were meeting at Hartford their Commissioners were treating with the Indians for the purchase of the Lands in dispute in a spot which connected them with the Wyoming people so that I believe we have concluded in time to prevent a Western Vermont and if the state know their own interest they will think we have made a good bargain for them—I expected to have sent my furniture & stores down & to have brought my family down in the course of the next month but while I was at Hartford by the the Sloop I had engaged got intangled in the ice which made much sooner this year than usual—You will be on the ground when deligates are chosen for this State, do you not see its honor & interest concerned in giving some little attention to this object? would it not be well for you to confer with Hamilton & some others on that subject, we are led by the eastern States & have lost the confidence of the Southern ones, our situation would enable us to hold the ballance—

Contrary to my expectations Mrs. Livingstons health is better than it has been for a long time past and our winter seems to agree perfectly with her. I am happy to hear you are all well, as I had some apprehensions from your removing so early into your house Present my compts at home—Adieu—