I received this morning your favour of the 29th of Septr and concur with you perfectly in the course which ought to be pursued in the very unpleasant affair which Mrs Hamilton has so unwisely brought before a court of chancery. I do not think the most remote opposition ought to be made by the friends of General Washington to the publication of any correspondence respecting his farewell letter. I firmly believe Mr Jays statement to be correct. Should he have received it from General Hamilton for the purpose of concealing even from him the fact that the paper was written solely by Genl Hamilton, I can have no doubt that it was published in the name of Washington from a perfect conviction that the valuable sentiments it contains would do more good if proceeding from him than from any other person. The public opinion of General Washington will remain unaltered, but their respect for the address will be changed. Whatever the letters may disclose I do not think their publication ought to be resisted.

One thing requires your attention. It is said that Mrs H. has demanded these letters and that you have withheld them. It is material to let the fact be known that no such letters were retained by Genl Washington. I can aver that I never saw them. Yours affectionately