Having been here two weeks, very diligently employed in taking a general survey of the papers, I am happy to inform you, that my expectations in regard to their extent and value are fully realized. As yet I have been able to give them only a cursory examination, preparatory to a more particular inspection of their several parts. The mass of papers I find to be much larger than I had supposed, and the labor of preparing them for the press will be proportionably greater, but the materials so amply fulfil my highest anticipations, and promise to be of so much interest and historical utility, that I am in no degree discouraged with the arduous task before me. Patience and assiduity, and a lively zeal in the work will conquer all obstacles. 

How many volumes it will be advisable to bring out, I am not yet decided; the probable demand in the market, as well as the nature of the work must be somewhat consulted; it will not be expedient to make the number so large as to frighten readers and purchasers with their bulk and cost, nor yet so small as to leave important matter unpublished. I think it safe to determine, however, that there shall not be less than eight, nore more than twelve volumes. To compress the matter into this compass in such a manner, that in all cases the very best and most appropriate shall be selected, is a work of no common difficulty and labor. In short it cannot be done except by careful reading, and till the whole becomes familiar to the mind. The end cannot be accomplished with any tolerable justice, by the mere process of reading them over, marking such letters as may seem at first suited to the purpose. The parts must be compared, and their merits and topics deliberately weighed, that a unity may be preserved, repetitions avoided, and the most valuable papers at last culled out and brought together in their proper places. All the manuscripts would make from thirty to forty volumes.

It would appear that some of the papers are missing. You will recollect, probably, that there were seven volumes of Orders in the army. The third volume is not to be found. It was not in the box with the others. The original papers during the presidential years are much broken, and some are gone. Letters are sometimes alluded to by their dates, in other letters, which I do not find, but perhaps copies were not preserved. 

I think you said there were copies of the papers during the French war, which you designed for me. The originals are in the office and also four volumes of copies. Do you intend these copies for me, or am I mistaken on this point?The three volumes of letters copied on loose sheets I presume are for my use.

I have examined partially the letters received by General Washington, and am of the opinion that three or four volumes might be selected from them, which would be well received by the public. They should follow the great work, but in a distinct form, and without any connexion. If you are disposed to make the same arrangement respecting these papers as now exists in regard to the others, I will agree to it; that is, I will prepare and publish them on the same terms as the other papers, dividing equally with you the profits of the sale and value of the copy-right. If you assent to this proposal, I trust you will signify the same in reply to this letter. An agreement in form can be closed hereafter. It is important for me to know your mind on the subject soon, because I shall be obliged to look these letters over, and if I have this scheme in view, I shall examine them with the more care and make a rough selection at once. Hamilton's letters ought to be returned. 

I am accomodated here to my best wishes. John is attentive, and I have every thing requisite for my convenience and comfort. I am, Sir, very respectfully, and with sincere regards, your most obedt servant.