I am contemplating the compilation of a work to be entitled "The Lives of the Presidents of the United States"; and as I am rather destitute of materials for writing a full and accurate account of the public and private lives of Mr. John Quincy Adams, yourself, and your Successor in office, I have been compelled to resort to the former personage himself; the Son-in-law of Mr. Monroe, P. M. at the City of New-york; and am now forced to petition at your hands an auto-biography or a sketch of your life.

By doing so you would confer a great favour upon me, and the community at large for which I shall be grateful—and I trust the people also. If it should not interfere with your convenience and other duties, I shall be much obliged to you, and should be grateful for all the information upon this subject which you could communicate to me as it would greatly aid and facilitate my labours in the undertaking above mentioned. Yours Respectfully