When last in Philaa. I suggested to Dr. Mease the idea of a work on the manufactures of that city, and I thought its utility might be such as to encourage its extention afterwards to those of the U.S. describing the particular branches, the quantity of work done in each, & estimating the comparative amount of imported with that of home manufactured goods. &c.—

He has now written me a letter which I take the liberty to enclose to you, as he seems to think the goverment, might with propriety do something in the business.

You will judge better than I can as to that & likewise as to his last proposal of a periodical work.

Yr. obt.