DEAR SIR,--I have reflected on the case of the embodying of the militia in Ohio, and think the respect we owe to the State may overweigh the disapprobation so justly due to the conduct of their Governor pro tem. They certainly had great merit, and have acquired a very general favor through the Union, for the early and vigorous blows by which they crushed the insurrection of Burr. We have now again to appeal to their patriotism and public spirit in the same case; and should there be war, they are our bulwark in the most prominent point of assault from the Indians. Their good will and affection, therefore, should be conciliated by all justifiable means. If we suffer the question of paying the militia embodied to be thrown on their Legislature, it will excite acrimonious debate in that body, and they will spread the same dissatisfaction among their constituents, and finally it will be forced back on us through Congress. Would it not, therefore, be better to say to Mr. Kirker, that the general government is fully aware that emergencies which appertain to them will sometimes arise so suddenly as not to give time for consulting them, before the State must get into action; that the expenses in such cases, incurred on reasonable grounds, will be met by the general government; and that in the present case, although it appears there was no real ground for embodying the militia, and that more certain measures for ascertaining the truth should have been taken before embodying them, yet an unwillingness to damp the public spirit of your countrymen, and the justice due to the individuals who came forward in defence of their country, and who could not know the grounds on which they were called, have determined us to consider the call as justifiable, and to defray the expenses. This is submitted to you for consideration. Affectionate salutations. TO MR. GALLATIN. October 28, 1807. I think there is nothing in the former regulations of the Salines which hindered merchants or others of the country round about, far or near, from purchasing salt at the Salines, at the stated price, and carrying and vending it elsewhere at their own price; and it was naturally to be expected that competition would in this way reduce it to a proper price wherever sold. If this had taken place, it would have been desirable that the lessees should not have engaged in it, because as the price at a distance must add some profit to the transportation and first cost, this profit might have induced the lessees to sell reluctantly on the spot. As the merchants, however, have not entered into this business, I think it would be well to let the lessees begin it, leaving them open to the effect of future competition; subjecting them to a maximum as they themselves propose, and to have the permission revoked if they obstruct sales at the Salines, or otherwise abuse the permission. I return you their letter.