I had the honor of writing you by the January Packet in answer to your favour of Novr. last.1 By the present conveyance (The Hope Capt. Haley)2 I have the pleasure to forward you the 3 last parts of Madame Rolands work—& a letter from Mr Burke to the Duke of Bedford which made its first appearance yesterday—3 it is perfectly of a peice with all the productions of this extraordinary man— It bears the marks of that glowing eloquence—that extravagance of censure—that acrimony of invective—& with all of that feeling heart ^& well informed mind^ which have so long characterized its celebrated author— I have no doubt but you will derive pleasure from the perusal of it—

I have had the pleasure of reading your speech delivered at the opening of the legislature of New York. It has been received with much approbation here—particularly by Such ^as are^ attach’d to our ^form of^ govem[men]t.—& to those who administer it— The answers of both branches of the legislature, expressive of the just sense they entertain of your patriotism, your talents & services were also much prais’d. Interested as I know you must feel in every thing relative to the appeals under my care, I cannot withhold some information on this topic.4

On saturday last was brought to a hearing the first of those, that were instituted by me— I am sorry to add the decision was not favourable, altho’ I could ^not then^—nor can I yet perceive any just reason why it should not be—

In the Court of Admiralty on the other hand we have had as favourable a decision as we could wish in the first of the Martinique cases. Should the Judge continue uniform in his opinion I trust we shall ^have^ equal success in the rest— But this hope can scarcely be indulged without presumption— the result of experience— Sir J. M. is seldom long of the same sentiments on any subject.

I look with stronger hope to the Commissioners under the treaty— I shall anxiously wait for their appointment & arrival— They surely will be the means of terminating our disputes with G[reat]. B[ritain]. amicably if it ^is^ intended they should be ^so^ terminated—5

To secure the performance of justice—it is necessary that we should be in a condition to enforce our demands— In this recur it highly gratifying to find both the President & yourself advising those cautionary measures which while they regard internal security have a tendency to ensure respect to our rights from foreign powers—& to prevent a resort to the last dreadful alternative.

I hope the ruling powers of this nation may discern justly the interest they have in the good opinion of & uninterrupted intercourse with, the U. S. & that in consequence they will take those measures of justice & sound policy—that will preserve the two nations on a footing of peace & good understanding with each other— Mrs. Bayard begs her best regards may be presented to yourself and Mrs. Jay— I remain Dear Sir Your most obedt. servt