Sir:
I had the honor to receive your letter of the 13th of February last, enclosing a Resolution of the Legislature of Virginia, respecting the appointment of Commissioners to take into consideration the trade of the United States.
My delay in answering this letter was owing to the expectation I had that the Assembly would meet previous to the time proposed for the meeting of the Commissioners but being convinced that could not be effected, I laid the proceedings of our Assembly and those of several of the other States in the Union, before the Council, who advised the appointment of Commissioners on the part of this State to join those that are or may be appointed from the other States, at the time and place by you proposed, or such other time and place, as may be agreed on, and recommended the Hon. Abner Nash, Alfred Moore, Hugh Williamson, John Gray Blount & Philemon Hawkins, Esqrs., or any two of them, to be so appointed. I have written to these Gentlemen and such of them as agree to attend will be accordingly appointed.