I was this morning honoured with your letter of the 3d. Inst. enclosing a letter from Mr. Boudinot &c,—without having recourse to the files in the office I cannot state the amount of the aid we agreed to afford Mr. Blackburn in the establishment of a School in the Cherokee Nation, or the annual advances which were then contemplated, but I well remember that he appeared to be satisfied at the time. I am however of opinion, that if his school shall appear to be judiciously mannaged, it would be adviseable to afford it such additional aid as the state of the funds & the claims of other Nations will admit of, but I should presume that whatever sums may be advanced for that, or simmilar objects ought to pass through the hands of our respective Agents—and be applied under their directives from time to time as may be found usefull.—no arrangement on the subject can with propriety be undertaken relative to such objects but at the Seat of Government, where the state of the funds and other necessary information can be obtained. I should suppose that no great inconvenience would result from a delay of two months.

I am Sir with the most respectfull considerations, Yours,