A British agent Lord Malnesbury has been here six weeks negotiating for a general peace. Gives views of the diplomats on the peace. I was surprised at the recall of Mr. Monroe and the arrival of a successor, Mr. Pinckney. The Directoire has decided not to receive the new minister.

With consent of daughter, Anne Frances Bland Tucker, authorizes William Haxall of Petersburg, to sell four Negroes, property of said daughter, viz. Nancy, her daughter Franky, Diana and Lizzy. Witnessed: Ann Frances Bland Tucker, Henry St. George Tucker. Also copy of letter of same date to William Haxall, authorizing the sale or hire of the said Negroes.

Introduces bearer Major S. Pitts who has had classical education at an Academy in Maryland and studied law under present speaker Mr. Wise. Now goes to Williamsburg to attend Tucker's lectures and one of Bishop's Madison in philosophy. Father is anxious to have son lodged in good place.

The state Senate requests Lee to thank Tucker for presenting them with his essay on the gradual abolition of slavery in Virginia. No object is more grateful to an enlightened legislature than a plan restoring freedom to our fellow men which is not injurious to society. Hopes to see the time when liberty shall be inseparable from life.

On Christmas Eve intends to bring "little ward" and companion Kidder home for holidays. Amount received from Strother was 2 bills no. 40 and 86 of Alexandria, each for $40. Left 2nd quarter's advance for tuition and board. Hopes to find Benjamin Grymes rational tomorrow.

I have sold your Bad-luck estate in Cumberland to Thomas Gibson for 3,000 £.

The pamphlets were delivered to the speakers of the other house. In the House of Delegates characters were found who voted against the letter and pamphlet. I despair of bringing it in a motion for the taking of the ayes and noes. The bill to amend the penal laws of this Commonwealth passed the House of Delegates yesterday.

I am sending an account of the money I have received.

I enclose you a subject which please acknowledge service of. Also a bill to which you can draw an answer and forward to me together with the bill so that a decree may be obtained in March.

Since residing in Lancaster has been studying. Reading Henry's Coke according to Tucker's advice. Perused it twice, reading only Littleton's text, 3rd time with comment, now 4th time. Isolated position may make abstruse reading more interesting. Tucker had offered to lend him Wood's Institutes which he now asks to have sent by brother.

"Inclosed you will receive your order accepted." Enclosure not present.

Encloses bill for 4 dozen leaves sugar, box of mold candles, and 3 parcels of leather which is sent by Jack, of the Williamsburg packet. Popular logs split after being hewed but carpenters think them better than green logs. £35 pounds deficient from £200 for quarters rents. Encloses order on George Wythe Sweeney who is to pay Tucker. Mrs. Tucker's pudding dish is not yet finished by Mr. Dicks. (Enclosure lacking). Endorsed: with accounts of bills.

Will bring or send his goods to him after Christmas. Tucker's woman Diannah ran away from here without cause, but, as she is dissatisfied, it may be better not to send her back. Crop of corn will be short.

I have advertised in the Petersburg paper four Negro women and a boy for sale. I have had no application for them yet. If I can't sell them, I will try to hire them.

I delivered the paper to Colonel Simms. He informed me that the speaker had the books which I had not seen.

Received his of 11th. Must leave this place to free self of difficulties. Is excellent house in one of the most improving best regulated towns in Virginia. Mr. Carter of Shirley of will be displeased, but is convinced he could convince him of propriety of act.

While self was ill, wrong watch was sent Mrs. Tucker. Now sends right one by Mr. Robert Andrews. Asks him to return chain from one he has at present.

Price stipulated by Tucker for his servant woman, Dianah, cannot be obtained. She was brought up by Maria Rind. Asks price he would take in bonds on demand, say Mrs. Dunbar's, Mr. Charles Cocke's, Mr. Richard Randolph. Purchaser would be Mr. William Lyn, but woman continue with self.

I have never seen the copies you refer to.

Last Assembly formed district of counties of Hampshire, Hardy and Pendleton for which court will be held at Moorfield. Self writes for bearer Mr. John L. Sehon who has acted as deputy clerk for courts of Hampshire and Hardy and is now deputy clerk in Hardy county where self is practicing attorney. Hopes he may receive better position. Name of writer uncertain.

Bearer is Mr. John L. Sehon, candidate for clerkship of new district court. Other candidates are ? Christian, ? Waite, and Issac Beall. Isaac Beall is orphan of American officer, bound to Mr. Lyle of Staunton until Lyle's death, then served in Mr. Peyton's office, now lives with Mr. Woodrow of Hampshire. Beall is nephew, but self must admit both are equally qualified. Charles Carter left here in health.

Instructions respecting insurance from fire.

John L. Sehon, bearer, is candidate for clerkship of district court to be held at Hardy courthouse. He lived with self in office at Northumberland courthouse as apprentice to Mr. C. Jones in 1789, 90 and 91. Self recommends him.

Bearer is Mr. Sehon who is candidate for clerkship to district court established last year. He was associated with self in office of Northumberland county court in 1787-1788. Recommends him.

I would like to purchase your servants, but can not do so unless you would take good bonds payable in 12 months or western lands.