Having undertaken the compilation and publication of the Debates and Proceedings of several of the State Conventions, on the adoption of the Federal Constitution as agreed to, in Sept. 1787, it has occured to me that a supplementary volume, containing as much authentic matter as can be conveniently collected, relating to the discussions on Federal Convention (of which you were a member, and the only survivor, I believe except the hon Rufus King) would form by far the most gratifying and acceptable portion of such an undertaking. On the authority of the Preface to Yates’ Minutes1 it is there stated that you possess “Memorandums of the Controversies which have arisen in debating the merits of the Constitution, and that you intend to publish them.” Now the chief object of this letter is respectfully to solicit the publication of those memorandums, either in a distinct shape, or as an additional volume to precede or follow the one in the press to be printed in a very handsome manner, and without any expense or risk, on your part. For a copy of a brief prospectus of my present work, I beg leave to refer you to the National Intelligencer & Journal of the seventh instant.2 In relation to my ab[i]lity to execute the proposition herewith, I probably possess some claims to your confidence, which I otherwise would not have a right to ask, when I state that for eleven years I was the editor of the late Washington Gazette, resided at the seat of government for upwards of fifteen years past, and have spent the greater part of my life in literary and political studies. If my proposition to publish your memorandums meets your idea, I should be glad to repair forthwith to your residence to confer fully on the subject, more especially as it would be quite convenient, having, in a week or two, to visit Fredericksburgh & its vicinity on the business of my late Gazette. I remain very respectfully Sir yr obt. servt.