I was not aware, that you had gone, till I called to take leave of you. I am sure I shall find an excuse in your indulgence, as you know by experience the eternal pressure there is upon the heart and intellect of one, who is placed at the head of a department here.

Will you be good enough to have it explained to Mr Madison, in a proper way, the view I took of his case, and the necessity, under which I felt to postpone it till next year. I would not, on any account, have him suppose, it was owing to the want of appreciating his claims and character.