I am satisfied from the enqueries my friends have made for me that The Calm Observer, if ever published in a pamphlet, is no longer to be found in that form. Mr Hopkinson was kind enough to make the enquiry for me and to communicate the result. In my answer acknowledging the receipt of his letter I requested him to look into the files of the Aurora & to let me know the date of the first & of the last number. He has never noticed this letter, & I have suspect¹ that it has miscarried. This leaves me under some embarassment, because if he has received the letter my writing to him again might bear the appearance of impatience at his not attending to my request; & if he has not received it, the appearance will be that I have neglected a letter written by him on my own affairs, and in some measure requiring an answer. Will you my dear Sir have the goodness to inspect the files of the Aurora in for the summer of 1796 & note for my use the dates of the first & last number of The Calm Observer.

I should be glad to have a² number which charges General Washington with peculation or drawing money improperly, copied & the date of the paper from which it is taken noted, & will thank you if convenient to pay for copying it. I am dear Sir truly yours