You may perhaps have heard that previous to the Embarkation on his mission for London of my father, he was required by the widow & sons of Genl Hamilton—and upon his declining was juridically summoned by a bill in Equity filed in the name of Mrs Hamilton—to deliver up certain Confidential papers belonging to the Estate of Genl Hamilton—which papers Mr Pendleton, the Executor of Genl Hamilton, had placed in my father's hands for safe keeping— To this bill of Course an answer must be made of which probably an outline will soon be transmitted by my father from London to His Counsel here— Meantime he thus writes to me from Cheltenham under date of the 16 July—"I request that you will write to Mr Justice Washington, apprising him of the suit against me requiring me to deliver up to Mrs Hamilton the original letter of Genl Washington written Confidentially & privately to Genl Hamilton— As I understand the subject Mr Justice Washington as Executor of Genl Washington possesses the sole power over these private & confidential letters of Genl Washington, which may affect so materially his reputation— If not misinformed Mr Justice Washington has been Called upon to search for, & deliver to Mrs Hamilton letters supposed to be in his possession written by Genl Hamilton to Genl Washington respecting his farewell address. Perhaps Mr Justice Washington may think proper to Express his Sentiments on the subject."

     The above Extract sufficiently Explains, and well serve as an apology for this letter which I conclude by saying that it will afford me much satisfaction to be apprised of in order that I may Communicate to my father, your wishes in relation to the above Matter. I am Sir With great respect & Consideration Yr ob. Hb. Sert