I was advised by a private Letter from Mobile, under date of the 20th. Inst, of the arrest of Mr, Burr, by Lieut Gains the Officer commanding at Fort Stoddart; I was at first disposed to credit the information; but no official Communication upon the subject having been received, I am inclined to think the Report unfounded.1

By a Vessell in 19 days from New-York, we have papers from Washington, to the 1st, of the present Month, & I assure you it gives me great pleasure to find, that the proceedings here (directed with a view to the public safety) have not been disapproved by the President. The General has in this quarter received much abuse, & it is true, that the portion which has fallen to my share, has not been inconsiderable; If however our Conduct should be approved by the Executive, we shall be amply compensated. For myself, I have but little to claim on the occasion; My means to serve my Country, were indeed limited; Such however, as they were, have been used with promptitude and the best intentions; But with respect to General Wilkinson, I do think he deserves well of his Country. Some of his Measures, I shall always consider as exceptionable; but he was the first to develope the infamous Conspiracy, and has pursued a policy, which has effectually defeated it.

The Successes of Bonaparte in Europe, will I fear, incline him to be unjust to all Nations; his Decree of the 21st of November at Berlin, serves to unfold his ultimate views; the destruction of England and universal Empire seem to me, to be his Objects: It is said here, however, that he has received a check in Poland, & has been compelled by the Russians to retrograde. I hope sincerely this News may prove correct. If the last Decree of Bonaparte is enforced by Spain, the Commerce of New-orleans is lost; few Vessells navigating the Gulph of Mexico will be enabled to escape the Privateers, which will be fitted out at Cuba: That Island would be a valuable possession to the U. States; did we possess it, the safety and prosperity of our settlements on the Waters of the Gulph, would be permanently established. I hope our difficulties with Spain may be amicably adjusted; But if War is likely to ensue, I trust we may be the first to strike a Blow. With the regular Force now at New-Orleans, and a Detachment of my Militia, Pensacola, Mobile and Batton Rouge might be immediately taken. With respect to Cuba, 20,000 Men would be necessary to capture & to retain possession. The Mexican possessions may (in some measure) be considered as appendages to Cuba; the Power possessing the latter, may controul the Destinies of the latter [sic]. I am Dear Sir, With respect & Esteem Yr hble servt