[Copy] Quincy, October 17, 1798 — Dear Sir I received last night your favor of the 26 of September, with a copy of an act of the Legislature of the State of New York, for the further Defence of the State, and for other purposes. I have transmitted these papers to the Sec'y at war, that a proper Consultation may be had upon their Contents, and a final arrangement made according to Rules which generally obtain in such cases. [5115.] In the mean time, that no moments may be lost, I shall not hesitate to comply with your Excellency's Request, so far as to authorize [undecipherable] [undecipherable] question to the best advantage, and to appoint him to superintend the Execution of it. I must however at the same time make a Reservation of this Condition — viz^t. That this act of the Executive authority of the united States shall not be understood to have any Influence on any question or questions which may hereafter come before the Legislature of the united States, and may be proper only for their Determination — with great Resect &c. (sig'd) John Adams [his Excell^y John Jay Gov. of New York — }]