Peter Clark, Utica, N.Y, to James Monroe, Junior, New York, N.Y., 1823 April 16

Utica, April 16. 1823
Dear Sir,
I arrived here this morning from Albany litterally faded: the roads at this season of the year in this section of Country being for the most part cut up from the foundation.
I waited in Albany longer than I intended at the request of a friend of Mr Abeel who expected his return to that city in a few days—Mr Abeel however did not come, and I determined to go in pursuit—I understood he was at the village of Herkimer—By accident at Little Falls I made inquiry after him and by good luck met with his correspondent a Mr Otis, I presume a Lawyer— He informed me that he was out upon some of these lands, making observations &ca, intimated that the long neglect of these lands and the length of the possession of the Tenants furnished but a sad prospect of Success—I was prepared for this and merely requested him to write to Mr Abeel urging his return to the Little falls, & stating to him that I was here on the Subject of these lands I thence came on to this western Emporium to stay a few days while this negotiation was going on
It is important that I should see Mr Abeel, for however little confidence those who know him best may repose in him, some of the heirs of this estate have thought him worthy of theirs, and I do not wish to run counter in this business to any arrangements that may have been entered into or concluded by him; besides I am told he has a number of original and other papers which I ought to see; and to all this add the ill will and confusion that would attend my acting an independent part in this matter, which by the way I really wish to do—I am sorry the old gentleman is so difficult to be found, and yet I feel satisfied with the result of my investigations of the general titles to landed estates in the great state of New York which may enable me to make a sound application of settled principles to the old gentlemans facts, if their truth may be relied upon—
My compliments to the ladies, and believe with great respect your Obt Servt
Peter J. Clark