Yours of the 15 Janry. in answer to mine of the 1st of that Month did not reach me at N. York till the 10th of Febry. occasioned by its having lain in the Post office at Philadelphia, where, according to my letter of the 1st Ult I intended to be. Since which I have written you a second letter from N. York, a lengthy one of more than 9 folio pages enclosing a Printed Proclamation of the Senate of Hamburg respecting the class of persons we call German Redemptioners. I also mentioned a proposal of a Hamburg Merchant at New York to bring them to Louisana at 12 Guineas per head. Capt. Charles Rogers with whom I have been acquainted about 7 Years tells me they can be brought for ten Guineas. He will not sail from N.Y. till April, and will in the course of his Voyage be at Hamburg. I mention these things to you because I think it is interesting to you to be informed of them. The settlement of Louisana is a great object.

I see all the niceties and difficulties you mention respecting Domingo, yet I see no other way out than by some kind of compromise, such as that of Domingo agreeing to give france a Monopoly of her Commerce for a term of Years. The Americans, as I have before said, would, I suppose, be the Carriers on both sides. and the trade having got into that Channel would most probably go on so by choice after the term was expired. I know that the expedition against Domingo was so very unpopular in france that even Victory was held to be a loss, and I think it not improbable that Bonaparte would be glad if something could turn up to bring him out of the scrape without loss of Reputation. This is what Lord North hoped to do by his conciliatory propositions.

I know that the United States, as a Government, cannot with propriety move in it originally, but I wish the matter to get into conversation in an indirect manner. This would be one way of “keeping the lead line a head and sounding as we go.” The more distantly it began the better. For my own part I had rather be the vindicator of such a measure than the proposer. When I address a piece to the public I feell myself on my own ground, but when Government is to be the actor I had rather suggest a thought, if a good one occurred, than publish it. It is the best way to succeed.

In my last I spoke of Captain Landais, and if I recollect right (for I have no copy of that letter) I spoke of Dr. Miller, instead of saying Dr. Mitchel, knowing him. If nothing be done for him in Congress you would do a good thing to give him some appointment in Louisana. He is fit for that Station, and is a remarkable strong, hearty, active Man of his age which is full 70 Years. He speaks english well; was too much of a patriot for Bonaparte, and one of the fraternity of Theophilantropists in Paris. I wish, if it suits you, you would talk with Dr Mitchel on this matter.