I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Resolution of the 27th ultimo, directing me to take charge of the grounds set apart for the Capital of the State. I do not know that I fully comprehend the intention of the General Assembly in the first Resolution; if however it is your intention (and I presume it was) that I should occupy the house as a residence, I want beg leave most respectfully to decline the honor, fully appreciating, as I can the kind intentions that suggested the adoption of the Resolution.

The second Resolution provides, that the Brick edifice on the ground shall be occupied by the Secretary of State; thus, I regard as a wise provision, as the office at present occupied by that officer is insufficient for a business office, and a library room. If the General Assembly shall think proper to give other direction to the Executive in regard to the public grounds, they will be most cheerfully attended to.

James C Jones

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[added: Executive Message In relation to the occupation of the grounds set apart as a site for the State Capitol__
No [Number]. of Reps [Representatives]. 4 jany [january] 1844 Read and laid on the table P.S. Mitchell ]