On meeting Mr. Gallatin yesterday morning at your door I asked him what was the present situation of my old Cape Hatteras claim, he informed me that he had made a statement or report to you on the subject, and that if I wished it he would give me a copy of his letter relative to it. It is with pain & regret that I find myself again compel’d by duty to myself & family, to trouble you on this subject, suspence is more unpleasant to me than any decision. having been induced to believe the subject an unpleasant one, I should long since have abandoned it had I not have been informed by Mr. Gallatin, that after a full investigation, he had made up his mind that it ought to be allowed & had reported to the President accordingly, and that his report only required the approbation of the President for an adjustment of the claim at the Treasury, from which I had concluded that the delicacy which had been considered as attached to the admition of the claim by the President was in a great manner removed. were my pecuniary circumstances less narrow, no consideration could induce me to persevere in pursuit of an object which has so evidently met with a cold reception.

with the highest sentiments of respectfull esteem I am Sir Your Huml Sevt