Albemarle Octr 3d. 1817

Dear Sir

		I have this moment receivd your favors of the 1st, with the packets accompanying them. I regretted very much that you happened to be from Washington at the time of my late arrival there, and more particularly the cause, which from the intelligence I receivd, I was fearful would be of longer duration. I hope that the complete restoration of your sons health, enabled you to arrive as soon as you did, and that Mrs Crawford & your whole family enjoy theirs. Nothing but my anxiety to see my family after so long an absence, could have inducd me to leave the city, so soon after my return to it; but here, I shall be better enabled, than perhaps I should be there, to attend to business, I shall be very assiduous to every thing sent to me from the depts, especially to such objects, as have been neglected or retarded by my late tour.
	In a short note to Mr Adams the other day I informd him, that I concur-r-’d with you & him in the import, of the term “country” ^in the late navigation act, of which I requested him to inform you, and likewise to make ^it known to Mr Bagot.
	The vacancies in the customs may be [sic] remain unfilled, till my return to Washington, as you suggest, that we may have an opportunity of conferring on each.
	The custom house at New Haven was attended to. Three sites were offered, one near the river, another, not very distant from it, a third more remote; but affording more extensive accomodations [sic]. The second appear’d to me, preferable, & if the affair is in a state to admit it, I think you had better direct or contract to be concluded for it.    The light house, on the little gull, in the sound, seemd to merit attention. The sea, had washed away much of the land, and they were making a wall, to protect a part only, and a small part, of what remaind. The position is highly important for such a purpose, and I think that the wall should be enlarged, so as to include as much ground as will be necessary. Col. Cushing (or rather General) if you have no other person in view, would be a proper judge in this case. Encreasd expence [sic] in consideration of what is already done, will be incurr’d, but still I think the object deserving of it.
	Respecting the piratical & smuggling scoundrels who have settled at Galvez town I think precisely as you do, and that their establishment should be broken up, presuming that it is within our limits. I shall instruct Mr. Homans in the manner you propose, in a day or two, and in the interim will thank you to request him to prepare the proper vessel for the service.
	I wish you to be acquainted with the communications lately recd. from Mr de Neuville if you are not already, respecting which I shall write to Mr Adams.
				I am dear sir with very
				Great respect & sincere regard
				Yours
					James Monroe