[5523 XXV-96] My Dear Sir Boston Jany 13. 1790 Your esteemed favours relative to the Mo[ſ]t [undecipherable] I rec'd. and have spoken to the [undecipherable] on the subject. and agreable to his desire I have this day deposited the letter with the Secretary. and when the appointments for that quarter come under consideration I shall be Attentive to them — We have an account of M^r Ellicot's second arrival at Niagara — but have had no account of his progress in his business — I wish you to make enquiry. and write me whether any accounts have been rec'd of him — — I shall be extremely obligd for your opinion on the subject of the State of Nati- onal debt — especially so far as applies to the this question whether Congress will assume the State debts — and what will probably be the plan — You know that Massachussets is largely in debt — perhaps Georgia & North Carolina are equally as if they are — perhaps a condition may be made that the two latter States shall make rea- sonable cessions of their back Lands — & that Massachussetts shall assign over the Bonds of M^r Philips & myself for the benefit of the Nation — this might possibly induce N H N Y Cop & some other States who are not much in debt to vote for the measure — if I do not see but it is consistent with justice — do mention the idea to M^r. Hamilton. & to M^r Morris and Fitzsimmons — & be kind enough to write me what their reply may be — dont mention or my having suggested the thing — you know how to manage — I think it would be more convenient for P & me to be in the hands of Congress — if we could make a surrender of part of this property to them which would produce them an immense sum — my best respect attend M^rs Knox — I am [yours,] H. [undecipherable] W Knox Esq^r.