I am aware of the wish of Mr Gallatin not to be in the way of Mr Crawfords success, & of his disposition to act in any manner to promote that object. Mr Crawford has been supported in this state from the most disinterested considerations, Mr G. altho deservedly a favorite with the majority of our citizens, has not as many friends as Mr Cr. This you must have perceived by the vote in the Caucus held by our legislature last winter objections were strongly urged against him at that time, and altho many are willing to yield their objections in consequence of their attachment to Mr Cr, yet all are not animated by the same spirit of compromise. The ticket as it now stands, if any reliance can be placed on the indications of the public sentiments will prevail in Virginia. The friends of Mr Cl except perhaps in the western counties view his chance as hopeless Genl Js are daily becoming more animated in their exertions & those of Mr Adams display a perseverance and and industry illegible surpassed in the canvas of a well contested county election Mr Crawfords friends repose upon the consciousness of their strength, altho they are certain of having their numbers much diminished by the nomination of Mr G. I should not be willing to detract so much from the republican firmness of Virginia, as to convey to you even indirectly the idea that her vote was doubtful. But the voluntary withdrawal of Mr Gallatin in a proper manner could not fail to promote the cause both here & elsewhere. He cannot receive the vote of his own state & his nomination adds not to the strength of Mr C elsewhere; the merits of Mr G need no illustration. The friends of the other candidates are putting into operation every stratigem by which they can give strength, & why should those of Mr Crawford after having made a fals[e] slip refuse to rebrace it. We have heard of some movement which indicated the event here alluded to and an arrangement which looked to Mr Clay as V. P. But before any thing was to be done, the manner in which it would be received was to be ascertained. Why this precaution? Would it not be better after Mr G had retired to move in the matter. The necessity & propriety of it would then be obvious, & the measure would be attended with no hazzard. If it be thought that Mr Clay is the most suitable person and most likely to unite all the friends of Mr Cr and indeed produce an accession to their numbers let him be taken up in the North. There is no fears but Mr Crawfords friends in the South will act with them in the North. But depend upon it the North is the place for the first movements. Mr Clays friends in VA are anxious that he should be taken up in this manner. It will unite us most effectually. As to cancelling Mr Clay, it is injudicious. Let him not be cancelled & the force of circumstances will force ^must urge^ him into an acquiescence. And this will be done too without hazzard or compremitment. When NY elects electors favorable to Mr Cr. her legislature ought to nominate Mr Clay as VP. & it will reach the electoral colleges in time for them to vote for Cr & Cl.

I pray you maturely to consider those views something is necessary to be done Mr Gal cannot be VP. & he is a weight on Mr Cr

Our common solicitude for the achievement of the same object will be my only apology for the freedom of my sentiments.