It was my intention on my return from Fredericksburg to have waited on you to have had a more particular description of the Situation of the Mills you are building near Milton on James River. viz. How far distant it was from the Mills to Richmond by water? was the flour boatable from the Mills—Whether the flour Could be sent on at all Seasons, except & during the Frost. if not how long & at what Season would be the obstruction owing to the Lowness of the waters—Whether you wish to Rent out the Mills, if so; at what Sum—. Or Whether you wanted a Miller to conduct the Mill on your own Acct—. If so, what would be his salary & Privelidges—. Whether if a good Miller (a Man of respectability) was to go there without Capital, Would you be disposed to find Capital & be concerned, or do you suppose, that Some of the Merchants of Milton who you could recommend, would be concerned with him in carrying on the business.

I have thought it necessary to have information on these points, in order that I might speak with more Certainty, to any Suitable character whom I might find disposed to go to that Country—.

I have heretofore taken the Liberty of submitting my name to your Consideration as the Successor of A. McLane the Collector of this district, did I suppose my name was or would be unacceptable to my fellow Citizens at large. I would chearfully withdraw it—. In my application I pursued such Steps, as I thought would not have a tendency to create more Scism among us—It is to be lamented that a Rival Jealousy that exists between two of our Towns. Should perhaps, have had some influence in Keeping a Man in office, Who has so illiberally & wantonly traduced the Goverment & its Supporters—and who has become wealthy under an administration, Whose every Feature he has reprobated. would your Honour please suggest what I might Hope for on this Subject. I shall be my own Repository—

with great Esteem, I am your Friend