25 February 1804. “As I have it in contemplation to publish the statement and document submitted to the committee of claims, accompanying my petition, I request you will be pleased to give it your perusal and signify to me whether it contains any thing improper to be laid before the public.

“The solicitude I feel to be relieved from the state of suspense and accumulation of expenses which I now suffer must plead my apology for soliciting as early a decision, from the Department of State, to the questions referred by the Committe[e] as comports with the attention due to objects of national concern. Am fearful lest Congress should rise without having acted on my claims.”