Highland July 16. 1820

Dear Sir

		I have receivd yours of the 10.th. and return the proclamation signd for the sale of lands in Missouri, Illinois & Michigan -- I am surprised that you had not receivd the blank commissions which I had forwarded sometime before, as I had signd & forwarded them to the office at Milton, the morning after they came to hand. I will inquire into the cause of the failure, & if [have it] remedied if it occurrd here.
	Mr Story’s & Mr Silsbee’s recommendation in favor of Mr Whitman is strong, but I do not think that it would be well receivd in Maine, for me to appoint a person on that authority ^they being out of the state against the recommendation of the governor of the State, of the district judge, & many others of the highest respectability in Maine.
	I think that Mr Custis’s claim ought to be preferrd, on the evidence before us, tho’ his competitor, having servd so many years, apparently with good conduct, is not without his pretensions.
	I am sorry that I have not a copy of the law referrd to, by you, in the case with Mr. Ellery. My impression however is, that it stands well as it is, & that he has acted improperly. I send you a paper on the subject, lately receivd. He ought not to have removed, any of the offices under him, except for misconduct.
	I shall read with interest the pamphlet & French papers which you were so good as to send me.
	The public sentiment seems to be very decided against the pirates, & to demand a general execution of those who have been condemned. Piratical acts are multiplied, so that the interest as well as the honor of the nation, may require some terrible example. Those under sentence, are reprieved till further orders. This measure gives time for due consideration, with all the requisite light, of what had best be done in regard to them.
	I have just receivd a letter from Mr Warden which I send for your perusal --
						With sincere regard yours
							James Monroe