The governors adopted the proposed plan, and
have expended on the building, land, &c., $150,000.
It is very desirable, that the managers of this concern
should be as perfect as possible, and I am therefore
induced to crave thy kind aid, in procuring for me a
general and ample account respecting the establish-
ment at Aversa

; as to the general mode of treating
the patients, diet, employment, &c. I am very fear-
ful of giving thee too much trouble, but perhaps much
may be saved, if printed accounts could be procured.
They might readily be translated in this city. I
have made up a package containing accounts of some
of our benevolent institutions of this city. Also
reports relating to the grand canal, which is intend-
ed to open a communication between Lake Erie and
the Hudson River, a distance of 325 miles.

It is three years since this great work was com-
menced, and already one hundred miles are comple-
ted; near one hundred more is this year in such a
state of forwardness, that it will also be completed
early next year. The whole extent, 325 miles, will
probably be finished by the year 1824. The cost of
this great undertaking, (from Erie to the Hudson)
will be about five millions of dollars. I send thee a
small map, which will serve to show the route of the
canal.

There are three American young gentlemen who
expect to visit Naples

next spring; William Charning
Woodbridge, Cornelius Tuthill, and Theodore Dwight,
junr.; their connexions in this country are very
respectable. These young men, on getting to Naples
will probably wait on thee, as I have requested their
connexion to desire they would do so, as it will afford
an opportunity for thee to send any dispatches thou
mayest have for America. Any attention shown by
thee to these young men, will be most gratefully
acknowledged by their friends, and also confer on
me a singular obligation.

Our mutual friend, S. Grellet

, desires me particu