Dec 4th

My dear Alexander.
You will perceive from the enclosed that I have thought proper to have an explanation made of Mr. Polk's most ambiguous [?]ology.
Many persons come to me & [?] a [?] that my father should have been willing to yield the free navigation of the Columbia River.
The late administration stands beautifully on that [?]. Often having rejected the position [?] it was proposed to have the matter to time,
our sure & certain friend. If [?] for war he is impossible for the Colonists, & the Country, by the time it loses about 500 millions of papers Will say better to have less matters as Tyler wanted. It is important therefore to have things all [?].
Yr Truly & c.
June to May [?] David
Ro. Tyler

Alexander Gardiner Esq.
Clerk U. S. Court
New York City