Philadelphia, December 21, 1794. ⁵⁴

[Note:The date, from the context, evidently should be December 22. ]

    My Dear Sir: Looking into an old Portfolio which I had not seen this many a day, I found the papers which accompany this note, relative to the River Potomac, I do not know that any of them will be useful to you; but as well for the purpose of keeping them together as to afford you an opportunity of deciding for yourself; they are now forwarded to you.

   I also send you the sketch which has been presented to me by Mr. Claiborn, of the new method of lowering and raising boats without locks. It will give you a better idea than my description which in the letter of yesterday, was capable of doing; and for that reason it is forwarded. I am etc. ⁵⁵

[Note:From the "Letter Book" copy in the Washington Papers . ]