I have the honor herewith to present you a copy of an exposition of the Criminal law of this Territory, compiled by order of government.

To you, as the chief magistrate of the American Union under whose favored administration Louisiana has been annexed to the United States, and one not less distinguished in the literary than in the political world, this tribute of respect is particularly due from the author of the first work on the subject of jurisprudence published in the Territory of Orleans.

As a publication worthy of your acceptance, I offer it with real diffidence; but trust that it will be received as a testimony of the very high respect with which I have the honor to be

Sir your very obedient servant