Annexed hereto is the copy of another letter from Mr. William Barrow of West Florida. You will remark the frank expression of concern and solicitude and unpleasant suspense about their political situation. And I beleive he expresses genuinely the feelings, in common with his own, of all the most reputable people in West Florida. I inclosed you a copy of his first letter, dated 4th. June, which I presume you received. But I fear my communications upon this Subject may be deemed intrusive & too officious. The force of this impression was calculated at first, as well as now, to forbid my troubling you with any, communications, which may interrupt the more useful employment of Your time and attention. And this consideration will hereafter enforce my silence. But the possibility of doing good, and a sincere disposition to that, may perhaps have had an indiscreet influence in prompting me to intrude unnecessarily and uselessly. Also, I regret to have molested your attention, while in a more valuable & useful employment.

I have written Mr. Barrow very much at length—and attempted to excite a persuation, which I sincerely believe, that they were absolved from all allegiance to the mother country—and of course have a natural right to assume the rights of self government—that their interests & the U. States were reciprocal & to a certain extent, inseperably linked—and therefore, Florida ought & must in time become a part of the U. States—and that the better to secure & facilitate this event, it might perhaps be better to constitute a seperate & independent government in West Florida & East, if she would co-operate, which I conceive might be maintained, untill it might be deemed proper & consistent with the policy of the American Government to protect or incorporate them with the U. States. Not knowing that the Executive had a right, or would assume the responsibility of giving any assurances, I suggested the propriety of continueing their present quiet Situation untill the sitting of Congress. That then their situation would become an interesting subject of consideration, relative to which, measures of decision might be adopted and promptly acted upon. I assured him of my sincere belief in the friendly dispositions & earnest solicitude of the American Government & people, for the people of Florida. And that although we conceived ourselves to be the lawful owners thereof, nevertheless the peaceful & neutral disposition of our Government will likely forbid us attempting1 to acquire it by other, than peaceful means, untill they become hopeless or rather obstructive. With due Respect and sincere regard for your Character I am your Obt. Sert.