I have never, that I can recollect, refused to comply with a request similar to that contained in your letter of the 8th inst. in behalf of the Countess charlotte, and if I had been heretofore in the habit of doing so, I should most certainly make an exception in your favor, and upon such an occasion. I have none of Genl Washington's letters with me, at this place; but as soon as I return to Mount Vernon, which will be in a few days, it will afford me great pleasure to forward one to you.

     Your approbation of the decision in the Steam boat cause is highly gratifying to the Chief Justice and his Associates, to whom I took the liberty of showing your letter.¹ The answer of the former, upon returning it to me was "may he live a thousand years!" The accident which befel him was deeply felt by us all, and I do not think that you express yourself too strongly in saying that "the nation was in danger."

     He is now, thank God, nearly recovered, and has prepared an opinion upon some other great constitutional question, which will probably be delivered today. We are now engaged in considering the validity of State bankrupt laws in their operation upon subsequent contracts, and are not a little puzzled by the question which they present—this, entre nous.² Believe me to be, with very great regard, truly yours