Your favor of the 14th. was recieved last night. as to the salaries at the mint which are to be fixed by yourself with the approbation of the President, you are so much the best acquainted with what is proper, and my confidence in you so entire, that I shall approve whatever you advise, and I consequently approve of the addition of 200. D. to the salary of mr Eckfeldt as you propose. I am glad to learn the mint has been so much employed in making small silver coins. I think the coinage of Dollars merely lost labour, because they are immediately exported. dimes & half-dimes are what will contribute most to the convenience of our States, & they will stay with us. depreciation has almost rendered coppers nullities.

In the years 1798. & 99. I took many observations & with great care for ascertaining the latitude of Monticello. but having no Nautical almanacs for those years, I never could make the calculations. could I borrow them of any body within your acquaintance? I have never been able to get a Nautical almanac for the present year. if any bookseller of Philadelphia has one, as also for the next or any subsequent year, you would oblige me by desiring him to send them to me by post, noting the price, which I will immediately remit him. Accept my friendly salutations & assurances of great esteem & respect.