I wrote to you a few days ago begging to know if you would do me the favour to represent me on the 20t inst. to manage the sale of 2800 acres of lands Westd which under a deed of trust I am to dispose of.

     I am Just informed of your kind invitation to the Judges to dine with you today, & am requested to accept the same in their names. I am Dr Sir with great respect yr mo. ob. Servt

     As it will be seen by the record of the Board, that many of those examined have been rejected, I beg leave to propose that the names of such as passed may not be published by the Department, since it would be the means of exposing the other candidates, whose misfortune we sincerely lament; for apart from their profession, they are all worthy men, and have our warmest esteem.

     After further reflection on the subject of appointing mates, I am under the impression, that the system already commenced would be much better supported by ordering a Board. This would also relieve the Department from much importunity. I have considered it proper to make this statement, as my opinion has been changed since yesterday. I have the honor to be very respectfully

Is your dinner hour the usual one, 5? very sincerely yrs

My dinner hour is the usual one, 5.

     As soon as I understood that it was likely Spotswood would soon recieve his orders, I gave directions for the making of his clothes, and they are now in hand.

     Mr Justice Washington presents his very sincere thanks to Mr Livingston for his “system of penal laws for the state of Louisiana” which he anticipates great satisfaction, and, he hopes, improvement, in perusing.

The calamitous fire in Boston on wednesday destroyed all the papers of Mr Mason’s third volume of his reports, which was to have been put to press on monday next— He had the original opinions, & except in one or two cases I have not a single copy.

Four of the Judges recd the other day an invitation from the President to dine today which we accepted— Judges Livingston & Story inform us that the President requested them to dine with him tomorrow with their associates. We are under some embarrassment in consequence of this information, & I now take the liberty of asking whether the President expects us today or tomorrow? Our brethren are probably mistaken. I am very respectfully yr mo ob. servt