Mr. Monroe, Secretary of State, to Mr. Dallas, district attorney.

Sir: I have had the honor of receiving your letter of the 20th ultimo, including a decision of the circuit court for the district of Pennsylvania, in the case of the French public vessel Exchange, by which the decision of the district court is reversed.

As this case is a very important one, it is proper that it should be carried before the highest judicial tribunal of the United States. The [Page 446] President requests, therefore, that you will take the steps necessary for that purpose.

Your own judgment and knowledge will suggest those which may be taken with the least compromitment of the Government.

I have, &c.,

JAMES MONROE.

[3] *Alexander J. Dallas, Esq., Philadelphia.