Owing to some new arrangement of the Post Office, your letter of the first instant did not reach my hands until yesterday afternoon.

I leave it to yourself to prosecute the trespassers upon my four mile run tract in my name (if it is necessary to make use of it) & in Whatsoever manner you shall think most effectual.

The assertion, that I had given leave to cut Hoop poles, or any thing else from off the land, is an impudent falsehood. Two reasons would have been opposed to this measure—1st The growth thereof being the most valuable part of the tract—and 2dly the door that would have been opened by it, & the greater difficulty of detection after such an idea had prevailed. In haste, as the Mail is about to be closed— I am sincerely and affectionately Yours