Some time after receiving your letter dated in december, I wrote to E.J. Cole, of Baltimore, to forward the Journals you had deposited with him; but nothing further has been heard of them. I mentioned to Dr. Chapman, that as no agent had been appointed for this place, he might consider me as one: but finding myself totally unacquainted with such business, I have concluded it would be better to select a more suitable person. To the agent you may appoint in this city I will give the subscription in my possession, and continue to exert myself for the success of the work.

     I recd your letter of the 21st June and am very much pleased to understand that there is a chance of your recovering the missing volumes of "the Subterranean Cavern" & "Crimes & characters," as Mrs W. thought them the best in the collection. I shall deduct for the present $6.66 (The Stg Cost £1.10) and shall be very glad to be called upon for that amount should the books be found. This would make the balance due you $85.44; but Mrs W.

     Soon after my return from Phila. I recd the box of books mentioned in your letter of the 10th April. I find all the volumes of "Conviction"; but of "Crimes & characters" and "The Subterranean Cavern" there is one volume of each missing. These I shall return to you by the first safe opportunity. I packed the books myself when they were sent to you, and can therefore assert with confidence that their was not one volume deficient. After deducting the price of the above books viz. £ 1.10 Llg. you can draw upon me at any time for the balance payable at sight.

     I recd some days ago your letter without a date, in which you say that the purchase of the books amounts to almost a total loss. I have but one answer to give in addition to what I have formerly written— return the books as you recieved them, and draw upon me for the Sum you paid, with interest & the freight & expenses of their transportation to you.

     Were it inconvenient to me to take back the books I should still make you this offer. But this is not the case, as Mrs Washington is desirous to replace them in her library.¹

     I have this moment recd your letter of the 17th, and I am sorry to observe that you have not recieved the books. They were packed and sent to Alexa. before the 14th of June with directions to Adams & Herbert to forward them by the first conveyance to Baltimore to T. & S. Vance (as you requested) to whom I wrote by post informing them that they were for you. They were soon afterwards put on board of the Sloop Union Capt. Middleton, who recd a special charge to be careful of them, & I understand that he is a man of excellent character.

     Upon enquiry made of the Clerk of the Merchant who imported the Novels for Mrs Washington, I understand that no duties were paid on them. How this has happened I cannot understand, not having seen the person myself; but I think it probable that as the gentleman who brought them over took the privilege of reading them on the passage, he put them into his trunk & treated them as a part of his own baggage —this however is mer[e]ly conjecture.

     I got home yesterday & am now engaged in packing up the books which I shall send to Alexandria tomorrow to be forwarded by the first Vessel to your friend in Baltimore. Below is a list of the books with the Stirling Cost which I discharged at 15 pr ct. above par which I understand is lower than the present rate—if so, you will neverthless take the books at what I paid for them. I am sir respectfully your ob. Servt