Being in the moment of my departure for Monticello where I shall be one month, I take time barely to write you on the subject of La Fayette’s lands. Congress have passed a law which requires that he shall take his grant in portions of not less than 1000. acres each. by your letter of Dec. 22. & the plan it seems that the vacant lands on both sides the Canal of Carondelet may amount to not more than 600. as. but I have no doubt of the right to locate this as one of the lots of 1000. acres. whatever it falls short will be his loss. I will therefore pray you to advise with mr Briggs (whose office now extends to the Orleans territory) as to the form of location, and to locate & have surveyed as he shall direct ‘all the ungranted lands on both sides and including the Canal of Carondelet and between the City of N. Orleans & the Bayou St. Jean,1 whether covered with water or uncovered,’ for Monsr. de la Fayette, and to forward to me such certificate &c. as will enable me to issue a grant. I will pay any expence incurred in this.   in your letter you mention 3. positions in which the residue of the land may be located, towit 1. the island of N. Orleans. 2 the Attacapas. 3. the red river. will you be so good as to explain the peculiar properties, advantages & disadvantages of these 3. cantons, & what the lands might now be worth in each of them. on reciept of this I will decide for the General should his own decision not be recieved in the mean time. Accept my friendly & respectful salutations.