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Private and confidential. Washington 2d. Oct. 1816 Sir In your letter delivered to us by Capt. Thomas, I was referred to him for a particular detail of the circumstances, which induced you to refer to the proposition of that gentleman to me instead of executing the contract, according to my request when we separated at Athens. Capt. Thomas informed me that Gnl Gaines in his interview with your Excellency, had shown the utmost hostility to the execution of the contract proposed by him and had said and done every thing in his power, to prevent its execution. He further stated that Genl Gaines had proposed to contract himself for the supply of the troops at a unclear a ration less than his proposition, provided that you would allow him five days to procure the necessary security. In addition to all this, he informed me that Genl Gaines after endeavoring to persuade him to give up all idea of the