A few days prior to the reception of your favour of the 3rd. of May, I had received from the Secretary of the Treasury a letter inclosing a commission appointing me one of the commissioners to ascertain the rights of persons to lands within the Eastern district of the territory of Orleans.   I have written to the Secretary informing him I would accept the appointment, but that I hoped—my services could be dispensed with for a few months, I then supposed the business could progress in my absence, but since the receipt of your letter, I have determined to repair to the board as Early as possible.—Some little time however will be required to arrange my domestic affairs & to procure a boat to descend the river in.

I observe as well from the act of Congress as from Mr. Gallatin’s letter, that my pay does not commence untill I take my seat at the board.—Congress in this instance appears to have legislated under the impression that the then members would have accomplished the business; or they would, I suppose, have given a reasonable compensation, for the time & traveling Expences of any person afterwards appointed, the sum is not an object of much consideration with me, yet I should wish if the subject is again taken up, they could be made acquainted with the circumstances.

I am Sir Most Respectfuly Yr. Obdt Servt.