I have been honor’d with your letter of the 9th. inst.—I had understood that it was intended to confide the business of Flags to Capt. Decatur until I saw Mr. Madisons letter on the subject, I still think that would have been the best arrangement, but the mode you have proposed, will I presume, answer every purpose—I have received a letter from Mr. Barlow, in which he informs me, that Mr. Wolcott declines accepting the Genl. Post-Office;—I had the perusal of a letter from John Nicholas, enclosed to Mr. Madison;—the State of Newyork ought to be the last, in asking armes from the General Government, for her Militia,—I suspect that Mr. Nicholas, with some of his political friends, conciders the present, a favourable time, for reinstating them selves, on popular ground. I wish as many of them as are honest, may succeed.—if I receive your approbation for my proposed trip to the North, I contemplate seting out on monday next, but if you think it even doubtfull whether I ought to go or not, I shall remain here with cherefullness—

with the most respectfull concideration and esteem, I am Sir Your Obedt. Sevt.