Peyton Drew Esq brought for my Son A D Smith a Subpoena for to attend the trial of A Burr at Richmond on the 22d. of next month—I regret his absence exceedingly—Three weeks yesterday he embark’d on board of one of the U States Gun Boats, built here, for New Orleans. I have nevertheless written him both by water & land to repair to Richmond without delay & I sincerely hope that he will be there before the testimony is finally closed. I know he will use every exertion in his power to obey the summons.

Pallas P. Stuart has not return’d from N. Orleans, or I would have him summon’d, & should he arrive here in time, I will endeavour to prevail on him to attend the Court. He is expected to be here shortly, & is the only one I know, that can in this quarter give information, or that would do it. Was Matthew Nimmo here, & an enquiry instituted among his friends, though few, it is thought by some a disclosure could be made. Of this I have doubts, untill they quarrel & then the truth will come.

To Bolster him up, I am told a few nights ago that in conclave, more depositions were taken to prove the information he sent you last Nov. about me. I pray you to send me Copies of all which relates to myself & I am confident I will satisfy you in every particular which deserves the Consideration of Sir

your most ob & very Humble Servt.