I should be glad of a copy of any sketch or account you may have made of the river Platte, of the passage from its head across the mountains, and of the river Cashecatungo, which you suppose to run into the Pacific. This would probably be among the first exploring journeys we undertake after a settlement with Spain, as we wish to become acquainted with all the advantageous water connections across our continent. I shall be very glad to receive some seed of the silk nettle which you describe, with a view to have it raised, and its uses tried. I have not been able to find that any of your delegates here has received it. If you would be so good as to send me a small packet of it by post, it will come safely, and I will immediately commit it to a person who will try it with the utmost care. I salute you with respect. TO COLONEL MONROE. WASHINGTON, February 18, 1808. MY DEAR SIR,--You informed me that the instruments you had been so kind as to bring for me from England, would arrive at Richmond with your baggage, and you wished to know what was to be done with them there. I will ask the favor of you to deliver them to Mr. Jefferson, who will forward them to Monticello in the way I shall advise him. And I must entreat you to send me either a note of their amount, or the bills, that I may be enabled to reimburse you. There can be no pecuniary matter between us, against which this can be any set-off. But if, contrary to my recollection or knowledge, there were anything, I pray that that may be left to be settled by itself. If I could have known the amount beforehand, I should have remitted it, and asked the advance only under the idea that it should be the same as ready money to you on your arrival. I must again, therefore, beseech you to let me know its amount.