To James Madison from John K. Smith, 25 August 1811
From John K. Smith
new Orleans August 25th 1811.
Sir,
I have now the honor to enclose you the two remaining plats of Land located for Genr. La Fayette.
Mr. Duplantier who has been very much indisposed for many months past & who besides has been Occupied in settling his late merchantile Concerns* (having failed) promises to afford a particular statement of the situation Value &c. of the lands which have been located for your information. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir yr Ob St.
J K Smith
RC (DNA: RG 49, Special Acts, Lafayette Grant, La.). Docketed by Gallatin, “Smith enclosing La Fayette’s two Surveys.” Below the docket is a note in Gallatin’s hand dated 18 Mar. 1813: “Congress has not acted on the rejected claim of Cooley. The issuing of patents to La Fayette was from delicacy (Mr Madison being his agent) suspended to give time to any such act on the part of Congress. Sufficient time having elapsed, & La Fayette having sold the land, the patents are now requested. No legal objection appears on the papers and the Commissioner of the General land office is requested, if he discovers none, to have the patents issued and deliver⟨ed⟩ for Gen. La Fayette’s use to Mr Madison. His obedt. Servt. Albert Gallatin.” Enclosures not found.