Will you allow me to ask a favor, which I cannot doubt you will very readily grant? By some accident, for which I cannot account, a letter from you to General Washington, dated Decr. 9th. 1786, has been mislaid or lost. I think I remember having seen the letter, but whether it was in the parcel that I sent to you I cannot say. General Washington alludes to it in such a manner, that it seems important to have that part of it published, which relates to his appointment as a delegate to the Philadelphia Convention. Should you have a Copy of it, therefore, and will send me a transcript, this object can be effected.

Five volumes of Washington’s Writings have been published. Two more are thro’ the press, coming down to the end of the Revolution. The manuscript for the year 1784 is now in the printer’s hands. It has been a formidable and laborious undertaking, but I hope it will be completed within a year & a half from this time. The whole will make twelve volumes.

As the printers will soon get to the date of the above letter, if you can forward it without delay I shall be greatly obliged. I am, Sir, most respectfully and with great regard, your most obt. st.