Mr Adams presents his Compliments to the Ambassador from Russia, and does himself the Honour of conveying to his Excellency, a Small Packet. There are in it, two Volumes, which may be reckoned among the First Fruits of the Arts, in the United States of America, as they were there, written, printed and bound. one of the Books is intended for his Excellency, and the other for the August Personage, to whom the inclosed Memorial, is addressed. Mr Barlow is a young Gentleman of amiable manners and most excellent Character, as well as a good Poet. His Intentions are the most pure. But Mr Adams, who has been introduced into this Business, without his Knowledge, is very apprehensive that the young Poet will be judged to have indulged his Zeal to Show his Respect to her Imperial Majesty beyond the Rules of Discretion.— in this Case, Mr A. prays his Excellency to consider both Volumes, as his own Property and Suppress the Memorial.1

I am very much concerned that an absence in the Country should have So long delayed My Answer to your Letter of the tenth of July. There is no Act of Congress which authorizes me expressly, to order the Payment of your Salary,: But the Representation in your Letter Supported by the Extract from that of Mr Jefferson to you of the 14. of June last, Show Such an Absolute necessity of it that I have inclosed to you a Letter to Messrs Willinks and Van Staphorsts, Authorising them to pay your Salary once in Six Months, till further orders from Congress, the Board of Treasury or / Sir your most obedient, and most / humble Servant