Accept my thanks for the copy of the Presidents Message, and for the kind rememberances that accompanied it. No executive annual communication to Congress, which I have seen, is equal in simplicity, distinctness, and force, to this. It is adapted to the comprehension of every mind, and must impress all unprejudiced men, with a full conviction of ^the truth of^ the great doctrines which it teaches, & the sound conclusions to which it comes. The verdict of the People throughout the land will be, well done. Entertaining the principles which I do in respect to War, I cannot but hope our Country may escape that sad alternative with France, she is overwhelmed with wrong in this case, and in no event can expect to prosper, unless she does that which is right. All the nations of the Earth will hold her guilty, and the sovereign Ruler of nations cannot behold such transgression but with disapprobation. The compliment paid in the message to the Officers of the mint may be deserved, as it relates merely to their strictly official doings—but it is a fact which cannot be hidden that the Principal of the institution was any thing but friendly to our cause, during the late tremendous conflict with the Bank. Of this I could abundantly satisfy thy mind. In short, with the exception of the Treasurer, Govr. Findlay, the whole concern is against us at the polls—and any thing but facility was afforded us in the coinage of gold for distribution, previously to the election. The Bank of the U.S, was served imprimus, because she carefully put her thousands into her vault. And notwithstanding the Sec. of the Treasury sought to enable the friends of the administration to procure and diffuse that currency, it signified little if the Bank could be any how lugged in as a previously to be supplied customer. I mention this in confidence, with a simple remark that it is my judgement, that it would be wise in Congress to constitute a Board of three, or five citizens, to act in the character of superintendents, and advisers in that establishment; Such a body might be found, who would serve without pecuniary compensation, & render important Services to the Country. The mint will now hourly increase in the importance of its character, & purposes, since it Seems the Settled policy of the Government, & certainly it is the will, & determination of our people, to secure a substantial circulation in Gold, & silver.

It gave me unaffected pleasure to observe, that the indisposition with which thee was troubled passed away so soon, & enabled thee to take thy Seat in the Senate, at the opening of the Session, the Chair of that body should be sacred to virtue, and honour.

My good spouse, & our sons make their respectful salutations, & I pray thee to believe that I am thy faithful & affect. friend in haste.