Falls of Niagara augt. 9. 1817

Dear Sir
		I arriv’d at the fort, at the entrance of the strait yesterday morning at 8., after, 48. hours passage from Sacketts harbour, & came here in the evening. I am just setting out for Buffalo, whence I shall proceed, immediately, in the vessel attending there, for detroit. I rejoice, that I have advanc’d so far on my tour, as to begin to look with well founded hope to its early termination. The part, from Plattsburg to Sacketts harbor, which was considered, the most discouraging, by the badness of the roads &c prov’d a resting place for me. This is merely to advise you of my progress.

			with great respect & sincerest
			regard yours
				James Monroe