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.

I write merely to remind you, that I shall be prepared to visit Mount Vernon in the first week of March, and propose to spend about three months in close application of examining the papers.

It will be proper I presume, that some written instruments should exist between us, and I hope you will have it prepared when I call on you in passing through Washington.

I recd yesterday an answer from the Chief Justice to the letter I wrote to him on the same day that mine to you bore date. He informs me that he answered that letter on the day he received it, which answer of course miscarried, in a manner quite unaccountable, between Richmond & Alexa.— I have only now to say, in respect to the proposition contained in your last letter, that we accept it.

Before I left Boston I received your favor of the 24th. Novr stating that you had under consideration my proposal respecting the papers of General Washington, and that you had written to Chief Justice Marshall on the subject. I also soon after received a letter from the Chief Justice, in which he expressed a full approbation of my plan, and sad he had communicated his opinion to you. In a few days I shall be in Washington City, which I visit for the purpose of prosecuting my researches in the public offices.

Your letter of the 12th Sept. came to my hand sometime during the present month in consequence of my long absence from home; & being one of a large bundle of letters which had been accumulating, it has only been perused within the last hour. This, I trust, will be accepted as a satisfactory apology for my silence.

I shall write to the Chief Justice today & state to him your proposition; as soon as I receive his answer, you shall hear from me conclusively, & I hope satisfactorily. I am very respectfully Sir yr mo. ob. Servt

Your favor of March 13th, declining to aid me in a publication of General Washington's Works, was duly received. I had already made such progress in the undertaking, that I could not reconcile myself to the idea of abandoning it, although compelled to prosecute it under many disadvantages. Since that time I have visited all the southern and middle states, examined thoroughly the public offices in each, and procured copies of all General Washington's letters, and the replies of the Governors.

Your letter of the 26th January was handed me by Mr Justice Story, and I owe you an apology for the delay which has taken place in answering it. The truth is that, although living under the same roof, the important cases which the Judges have had to examine and discuss in conference, diverted the attention of the C. Justice & myself from the subject, insomuch, that it is but lately that we had an opportunity of conversing upon it. 

You may perhaps recollect, that nearly two years ago I wrote you concerning a design, which a friend of mine then had, of publishing an edition of "General Washington's Works." As he did not carry his purpose into execution, I was myself led to examine the subject, and have read with great attention such of the writings of General Washington as I have been able to obtain. I have also made numerous inquiries, respecting his official letters to the Governor's of the States during the revolution, and to the principal officers of the army.

It is with sincere regret, that I learn from you that it is not possible to supply me with any particulars, respecting the early life of Genl Washington. The interest and value of the work would be greatly enhanced by such additions, but as these cannot be had I must do as well as I can. With the materials now on hand I shall be able to throw much light on the part he took in the French war. Govr Dinwiddie’s Letter Books, and the papers in the Plantation Office in London, have furnished me with numerous facts.