Sir:

Your Excellency’s Letter of the 28th Ultimo. on the subject of the Public Tobacco by me Purchased I had the honor of receiving on Sunday Evening last. I flatter myself that it is altogether unnecessary for me to assure you of my readiness at all times to pay every attention to this Tobacco, or of my willingness to enter on the Business recommended by your Letter; but it now so happens that it is utterly out of my power from its being Absolutely necessary for me to be at Hillsborough Superior Court, to which place I set out on the morrow; I propose returning in about four weeks, when I will without delay proceed on the Execution of your Instructions with respect to the Tobacco, tho’ I confess I am at a loss as to the manner in which it can be properly done, as the Tobacco is almost wholly at Washington where there are no Inspectors, and probably my viewing it would answer no purpose as the Purchaser might not be disposed to rely on my word; in that case this business must be again done when the Expence, which will be very Considerable, would be double. However, as to the mode of transmitting this Business so far as they respect the re-inspection of the Tobacco, I must request your Excellency’s further directions which shall be carefully Complied with.

Be pleased to make an offer of my best Respects to Mrs. Caswell, Accept them yourself, and Believe me, with the purest Sentiments of respect and Esteem,