Staunton Sepr. 14th. 1815. Dear Sir I am so far on my return home, & think that my trip to the springs has been useful to me. Had I not caught a bad cold at the start [of] spring, I should speak more confidently of the effect, but even under that disadvantage I have already gained something in strength & appearance. I am told that the principal advantage is felt after returning home, so that with what is already gained, & what is fairly in prospect, I am sanguine in the hope of a complete restoration of my former state of health. Col: Chester Yancey of albemarle county, a member of the [illegible] and present assembly is desirous of being appointed superintendent of the arsenal to be established above Richmond on James River. I promised him to communicate his wish to the secy of war, and my opinion of his pretentions, which I will thank you to do for me, on his return to Washington. Col: Yancey is very deserving of the confidence of the govt, & very well qualified for the trust. He acted in the militia of this state in the last campaign in advance of Richmond, and acquitted himself with credit, in the command of [2] his regt. Personally I take an interest in his welfare, having experienc'd great proof of his friendship. Bonaparte's career is I presume terminated. I am glad that he has thought proper not to visit this country for what might have been the consent of the allies, in such an event, or of the U States, in a certain contingent consequence, it is better for us to have been freed from any trial of nerve & character on his account. I hear that Mr. Gallatin & Mr. Clay have arrived. Should they visit the President I will endeavour to meet them there. Tomorrow I expect to be at home. I have been much gratified with the report of our success against Algiers, which, it is said, has terminated in an honorable treaty, as I indulge a strong hope that that is, which is reported, to have been made with England. I hope to find that you have enjoyed your [illegible], & to meet all my friends, when it becomes necessary for me to repair to Washington in full possession of that blessing. Your friend James Madison