Our old Chief arrived here on Wednesday last in fine health and has received his friends in the kindest & most urbane manner.

In consequence of the crowd of new Converts I thought it behoved his old friends ^Troops^ to stand back. I therefore did not see him until this morning at 12 o.c. at which hour old Roanoke & myself went together.

I shall as becomes every sentiment of self respect stand aloof as to seeking an interview or pressing my advice upon him without it is solicited. My familiar communications with those whom I have good reason to believe have his Ear some by his own solicitation & others by their own concert exclusively enables me to be not entirely ignorant of what is going on. I consider but one point as settled & that is that you are to be Secretary of State, & I have good reason for believing that you will in a Mail or two receive a Letter from the Genl. himself communicating this fact. If it is not even dispatched tonight. As to the rest of the Cabinet, the matter is yet entirely in the wind. I tremble for poor McLane. I wish the Genl would consult you about your associates in this event we might be gratified but So Carolina ^will^ stand I fear almost alone in supporting himself & Cheves, & both I fear may go to the wall without an opportunity should be afforded for you to say a good word for both of them.

I write in great haste to <send> the mail & remain ever your faithful friend