I wrote you on Sunday a very long and very hasty letter in relation to myself. I did not have time to read it to see what was written or whether what was written was intended to be written. I now write a new line in relation to yourself, and I will be as frank as you was with Mr. Earll in the letter to which mine was a partial answer.

I now consider it perfectly settled that you must come into the new cabinet. This seems to be expected by our western folks particularly and I may also say by our southern folks, the Georgians alone as far as I have yet learned thinking it not advisable. Their reasons, as given to me, relate only to yourself and to your future welfare. All this is said by me under the condition that the Prest. Elect shall offer yo[u] [. . .] in [. . .] Cabinet [. . .] to [. . .] his [. . .] <or> probable course. I have supposed and do now suppose, from what reasons I Know not, that he would offer you a place, and not only so but that he would give you a choice of that place.

Should this be so what place will you choose? In my own mind this question has been much adjitated for the whole season, but I have mentioned my doubts about it to very few, if to any, ears. The state Department and the treasury are to me the doubtful stations. A short course of my reasoning has been that the Treasury possesses by far the most valuable internal patronage, that its patronage, though hazardous, is one which you are most eminently qualified to distribute to benefit, that the official responsibility of that department is less weighty and dangerous than that <illegible> our foreign relation[s] [. . .] that this department more than half [. . .] of th<e> [. . .] [c]onsider [. . .] the [. . .] On the contrary the state department, all things being fortunate, is best calculated to give an extensive reputation and is the highest in rank. To string then my doubts as to this choice I learn this morning that our friends Verplank of our state, T. P. Moore of Kentucky, and Genl. Findlay of Ohio entertain the same doubts, or rather that they are strongly inclining to the Treasury choice. None of them but Mr. Verplank are acquainted with my doubts or with the fact that I have any, while the General talk is that you must have the state department. If you choose to express to me your feelings on this question please to do so frankly. I shall suspend any expression of my doubts or feelings until you have time to do so, and I shall be governed implicitly by your wishes, in as much as the qu[es]tion solely [co]ncerns you[rself] and not [. . .]. You [. . .] not [. . .] for either place.

Much discussion is beginning to be had as to Printer. It is said here, and I now suppose it is true, that Duff Green is favorable to and in the interest of Mr Calhoun. This I did not suppose when I came here, but yet it seems to me we cannot avoid making Duff printer without bringing on a quarrel now which I think should be delayed at all events for the present. I do not Know that we can prevent his appointment if we try without continuing the present printers and that I cannot give my consent to do.

If you are willing, please give me your suggestions upon this point.

This you will see at the start was to be a short letter. I write it entirely without the consultation or knowledge or any our, not even of Earll.