I have duly recieved your favor of the 20th and see in it a great proof of your candor and justice. of the two great parties which divided our nation in it’s early stage, the one wished to strengthen the hands of the Executive, the other of the Representative branch of the government. the latter was my own disposition, resulting from reading, experience and reflection; and my election to the Executive functions was considered as evidence that such was the wish of the majority of our citizens. that the course I pursued should not be immediately satisfactory to the Minority, was to be expected: but I have ever hoped that, like yourself, others, on a calm and dispassionat[e] review of my administration, would do justice to the integrity of my course, if not to it’s wisdom, and would acquit my errors of any obliquities of intention.

I learn with pleasure your election of this part of our country for your future habitation. it has certainly the advantages of a ferti[le] soil, navigation, healthy and temperate climate, and of an industrious, independant and orderly population; and the neighborhood of the University will ensure a choice addition to our society. our bar is pretty much crouded, not defective in talent, and one member of it particularly of great eminence, now a representative in Congress. still talent in a new comer will make it’s way.

Towards the enterprise you propose, of writing the history of our country, the first object will be the obtaining materials. of these you have no doubt satisfied yourself of the resources. I formerly possessed1 some store of that kind: but all which were printed, and much of what was MS. went to Congress with my library, and the few loose notes I retained were communicated to mr Girardin while writing his volume of our latter history. if any aids remain however within my power, they shall be freely furnished.