Sir:

It is true that I have contracted with Mr. Flint of New York for the sale of the whole of the Tobacco now on hand the property of this State who has obtained a credit in favor of this State with the Treasurer of the United States for the amount.

This for the present puts it out of my power to comply with the Martinique Demand. The Tobacco has lain long on hand at a great Expence and loss waiting for a purchaser who could pay the cash or such Bills as would be acceptable to the Government of Martinique, but none such offered, therefore fearing a total loss I thought it best to dispose of it in this manner trusting that upon my laying these circumstances before the next General Assembly, they will provide effectual Funds for the Discharge of that Debt, a circumstance which will afford me much pleasure and be assured that the great & unavoidable obstacles which have long delayed that payment has been a source of much concern to me.