The Deligates from your State inform me That it is likely the Legislature have before now agreed on the terms on which the Land office is to be opened, & that they have passed a Bill in consequence.
Very desirous of securing a tract of Land in the State of New York, I take the liberty to trouble your Excellency on the subject, beging to be informed if the Land-Office be really opened or likely soon to be, on what terms & in what quantities lands are to be procured -- if there be a possibility of securing a particular Spot, for myself & Family, & what Steps are immediately necessary to effect it. The Steps to be taken preparatory to Garrisoning the Frontier Posts are under the Consideration of a Committee of which Mr. Paine is one. Instructions to our Ministers in Europe for forming Commercial Treaties, are now the Subject of Consideration. Eleven States are represented. Viz N.H., Massa., R.I., Connect., N.Y, N.J, Penns., Maryland, Virginia & the two Carolinas.
With the greatest respect I have the honor to be, your Excellencys most Obedt. & very Hble Servt. Edwd. Hand
RC (WHi: Clinton Papers).