Your letter of the 30th. Ult was duly recd. with the little volume to which it refers. The facts contained in this, are an acceptable appendix to the stock of information on a subject which has awakened much curiosity. I the less wonder at the relish shewn for such a treat as you have provided, considering the plums & the sauce you have added to the pudding.

Altho’ the state of my eyes permit me to read but little, and my rheumatic fingers abhor the pen, I did not resist the attraction of your literary present, and I drop you a line to thank you for it. Mrs Madison’s eyes being in the same state with mine, we found it convenient to read in a sort of partnership; and you may consider her as a partner also in the thanks for it. Should you enlarge a new Edition, as you hint, by the introduction of a Pocahontas or two among the dramatis personae, the redness of the skin would not in her eyes impair the merits it would cover. She offers a return of your kind remembrances, and joins me in the cordial respects & all good wishes which I pray you to accept.