I yesterday recd your favor of the 8th. I have no objection to the alterations in the petition which you suggest, altho' I apprehend no inconvenience which the devisees of the General ought to apprehend from disclosing the defects in their title to the Northwestern lands. This Subject had not escaped my attenti<on,> and so long as there was a prospect of securing the title under <mutilated> warrants I concealed this weakness from all but those with whom I was compelled to consult for the purpose of protecting the title.