24 April 1802, Natchez. On 18 Apr. received JM’s letter of 22 Feb.1 enclosing Dr. David Lattimore’s commission as a member of the legislative council of the Mississippi Territory; Lattimore, who has accepted the appointment, “unites to pure Republicanism, handsome Talents & an Honest Heart.” The “utmost harmony” exists between Americans and Spaniards at New Orleans. Supports the president’s proposal for a hospital at New Orleans, as Americans “often descend the Mississippi, at an unhealthy Season of the year, and many lives are lost at Orleans, for the want of attendance & comfortable Lodgings.”2 Believes the “difficulty & expence of procuring” deckhands for the voyage down the Mississippi River to New Orleans would “in a great measure, be remedied by the establishment of a convenient Hospital at Orleans, for the reception of Sick and disabled Americans.”