Before the boat arrives which is to carry me to St. Louis, and which I hourly expect, I think it better to advise you of a little circumstance which has lately come to my knowledge, than attempt retaining it in my memory till I return.

I must previously observe, that since I first wrote you, I have continually noted those things to you which could make no figure as legal evidence as well as those which might be made to assume that shape:—because in the present state of this matter it seems to me very important to warn you of all the sources from which information might be expected; otherwise, many things might escape your remark, which would recieve your attention, had you known their connexion with the main subject.

The thing first alluded to is this. Genl. Jackson of Tennessee lately wrote Mr Cuthbert Banks of Lexington a letter full of complements and polite nothings, and in it enclosed a paper without signature or date, and as Mr. Banks thought undoubtedly in the hand writing of Mr. Burr, which paper was so abstrusely worded & indited, that Mr. Banks could not comprehend distinctly its bearing; but it concluded with words in effect as follows “that Mr. Burr would eventually prove to be the Saviour of this western country”   Mr. Banks understood the letter and its contents as meant to draw him into a correspondence and further explanations; but he was so distressed at it, that he threw them into the fire.

A gentn. to whom he mentioned the subject in Lex. told me of it very privately: I went to Banks and mentioned the matter to him, telling him that I would know Mr. Burrs handwriting, but he said he had burned the paper, and would forever despise Burr from his confidence that he wrote it, tho he did not well know his hand writing. He requested me not to converse about it; which I had more reasons than one for avoiding.   Mr. Banks is wholly ignorant of my object. I wish I could have ventured to let him know it, and get the correspondence continued.   I should like to know somthing more about the doings of this Saviour of ours.

If you chance to hear any thing about a capt. Collins (of Florida) attend to it. This man has been a very active agent for Wilkinson. He carried the $7000 to Philada for Wilkinson, and is the man whom he sent as a spy round by Canada, and a long story was told about his being captured by the Indians, and many hardships he suffered.   I think it likely you’l find some report of Wilkinsons on this subject in the war office, unless it was burned. But from the information I have recieved from a Genl. who I know does not go on slight conjectures, I fully believe that this man was sent to Col England of Detroit on a very friendly mission;—Wilkinson being at that time in the pay of Great Brittain. If — newman is living in the Southward, as is said, I have no doubt it may be proved that Wilkinson is the man who sent him to the Indians to Warn them of the approach of Waynes army.   I have caused a note to be inserted in one of the Louisville Gazettes, that you have removed me from office.   This will render quite unsuspicious the dissatisfaction which I may occasionally betray towards the government of my country.   no one will think it worth while to ask the administration any thing about it; but lest they should and I be rendered very suspicious by your answer, I have enclosed a letter of resignation to Mr. Madison, which may form a pointed answer to the inquiry. I design this letter to remain in your hands and not to be filed in the office of State, unless you deem it proper: for I did not intend to resign untill I had finished the revenue causes commenced by me.

In embarking in such a project, I feel very deeply the want of your sanction. It may be contrary to reasons of state; it may be contrary to your judgment and to your views, but still I feel a confident hope, that it must suit the government to be fully advised on this matter.   I have but little expectation of getting possession of evidence which can be used juridically; but it is a great poent in my view, to shew you satisfactorily how this matter stands.

I am Sir very respectfully Yo. mo. obedt. Sert.