I was duely honored with yours of the 1st: Ulto:1 and am thankful for your kind Congratulations. I should have wrote you before this Time had I not dailey flattered myself with being able to pay you a Visit—When I had nearly compleated my Arrangements for the purpose a Letter from the Governor & Council to attend at Annapolis about the Holland Business with Messrs. Van Staphorsts threw all back, and I have been obliged to attend there most of this Week.—

A difference in Opinion having arisen on the Construction of the Contract I made in Holland as Agent for Maryland, it has been agreed to leave it to the Arbitration of Gentlemen, indifferently chosen, of another State—The Governor & Council have named you & Mr. R R Livingston on behalf of Maryland & you will receive a Notification of it from them.—2 I need hardly tell you, how pleasing this Appointment is to me!—In saying thus I do not mean to insinuate that the least partial advantage can be obtained either to this State or me by the choice. I know you both too well & you particularly even to think of it.—But as I conceive this Business more of a National than Commercial Nature I feel happy that Gentlemen unconnected with Commerce are appointed to decide it—Be the Decision what it may, the Characters they enjoy & the Stations they fill will stamp a Dignity & add weight to it. Be not offended then, my good Sir! that I sollicit Your Acceptance of the Appointment & that you will use your Influence with Mr. Livingston to the Same Effect.—The Business is an important one; but I am sure it will interfere very little with your other Occupations, and that a decision will soon take place upon some System.—Who will be the Gentlemen on behalf of Messrs. Van Staphorsts is not yet determined?—but they will be Gentlemen of New York. Mr Sterrett of this Town who is empowered to act on behalf of Messrs. Van Staphorsts intends writing this Post to two Gentlemen of his Acquaintance—3

This Business will require my Attendance but I mean if possible to see you before, unless a very early period should be fixed, which I much wish, for proceeding upon it—

Mrs. Jay, the Children, yourself & Family I hope are well—Pray present my Respects to her & tell her I am not a little pleased with the Thought of seeing her, even though forced to it. The pleasing expectation of seeing you & Family greatly reconcile my Mind to the Journey—

Essex continues very well—Myself have intervals of good & indifferent Health; but I believe the latter is chiefly occasioned by anxiety. If Miss K. Livingston should be with you, be so obliging as to remember me to her—With Respect & Esteem I am truly Dear Sir Your Affect. hble Servt