Mrs V.S. is here & has had several interviews with Dickerson. I spoke to him to exert his official authority if practicable & prevent the intended duello. He has every desire to prevent mischief & will endeavour to do so. The meeting is fixed for Monday or Wendy next in this Dist. & the parties will probably be interrupted if they are not dissuaded from pursuing their design. The Lady however <behaving> with the usual <illegible> <of> <her> <sex>. She is exceedingly apprehensive her interference may be known & yet cannot <illegible> with a female friend knowing the mail brings letters of introduction to every body she <passes> <illegible> and her in her project of prevention. Three members of the cabinet proper have been advised with to my knowledge already. Archer & Young Ritchie have been here bent on mutual slaughter after the encounter in Richmond in which our old friend A. was second <best>. The intervention of prudent friends (Dr. <McCamly> of Baltimore was among the peace makers) arranged the affair. They mutually admitted the error of their Epithets respective & distractive & <agreed> to <illegible> the Cuffs & kicks given occurred. So goes the insatiate A. Sad discoveries are making here. The profligate proposition to print lists of the pensioners, intended I verily believe namely to give Duff Green a just job, promises to produce shocking disclosures. Temple of Vermont will be arrested for defrauding the Govt of thousands under the Pension laws. The proofs are as I am informed indisputible. He has been here to cover up the traces of his criminality & his Efforts to this end have led to detection sooner than he anticipated. <illegible> to <pure> <Evils>. He is not worth a thought.

The cabinet Heads are all in place but Butler. We look for him next week. Genl Jackson is expected on the 1st. or 3d. of October. As soon as practicable after he arrives I shall be off for Europe, possibly by way of New York.

You brag of your burning <illegible> too soon. You have not reached my fame in that way, yet. You have been burnt in Effigy only by one party in N.Y. In Georgia both parties have bestowed upon me that enviable distinction. Luckily there was a considerable interval or I should not have survived the enjoyment.

The major is well but not sociable. He has made us a call, but no visit. Kind remembrances to John Martin & Smith & all good salutations to the Regency of both sexes in albany.