Your favor of the 29th ultimo has reached me, and I need not say that I am gratified with your consent to have the papers removed, on the conditions stated in my last letter. I have, also, received an answer from Chief Justice Marshall, which accords so entirely with yours that I consider the arrangement as now settled.

The truth is, that when our contract was made, I foresaw difficulties in respect to the local situation of the papers, but I was willing to leave this part of the subject in your own hands, not doubting that all reasonable facilities would be afforded. I confess, moreover, that the mass of papers is much larger than I anticipated, and the task before me much greater; but such is my zeal in the undertaking, and so highly do I estimate its importance, that I should have prosecuted it with ardor and without complaint, under all the disadvantages that would have encumbered it, had you deemed it inconsistent with your duty to allow the papers to be removed. You may rest assured that your confidence has not been misplaced, and that no pains or caution will be spared in preserving the papers, which the nature of the trust will admit.

I think all the volumes, which are known be duplicates, may safely go by water, and for this purpose I presume the chests in which I found them here may be used. The originals or at least a large portion of them, I shall prefer to take on by land, as affording greater security, although at greater expense.

It has been a serious job to look over the letters received, but I am nearly through it, and have made a pretty free selection. In a week every think will be ready for packing up. I wish to pass a few days in Washington, looking into the papers in the office of the Secretary of State, and perhaps I shall be there when you return. Mr. Madison told me, that among the Cabinet papers are some, that will be valuable in preparing an edition of Washington's works.

When you leave Philadelphia I will thank you to put a line in the mail, directed to Alexandria, informing me of the time at which you will probably be at home. 

It must be a great sacrifice for you to be absent from Mount Vernon at this season. I can hardly imagine a more charming spot, than this has been for the last five weeks. With perfect respect and high regards, I am, Sir, your most obedt servt