University of Virginia Library

TO JAMES MADISON.

The last post brought me your favor of Jany. 2d.
It will be well for you to send on your list of articles

wanted as soon as possible. I hope Kyser will not
disappoint us in the Clover Seed: and that other
chances at Fredg. & elsewhere will be watched. As
I shall get some at all events even here, I wish a Box
to be made as soon as can be done. It will be the
more necessary the more scanty the supply. I am
astonished at the price given to Js Coleman for his
fellow James. I am sure the profits I make will not
justify any thing like that. His other fellow is
slow, & infirm tho of good dispositions; and on the
latter consideration & my desire to open land, I am
willing to keep him as heretofore. If J. C. can get
a better bargain I do not expect or wish him to make
any sacrifice in my favor. I really do not see in the
general prospect of things, or in my particular case,
any reason for my enlarging the price.

I promised Docr Priestly at his request last year,
a sample of our red earth, which I forgot to bring
with me. He lately reminded me of it, and I am
anxious now to repair the omission. For this purpose
I must beg you have a few pounds taken from
the ridge back of the Garden, put into a box & sent
immediately to Mr Blair to come around by the
first vessel. As I am particularly anxious on this
point I hope it will not escape your attention.

Saml. French's claim is refused on the ground of
his not having served to the end of the war, in the
army of the U. S. without which the law does not
give him a title to land. We are all as usual & offer
Our affections. Fanny writes as you will see by the
inclosed.