From the little knowledge you have of me, I am in hopes you will excuse this liberty I now take in addressing a few lines to you

You may remember on my return from London with the little articles I procured for you, it was then, and still is my wish, to get into some employment in the executive department, your answer then was a very good one, from your then situation in life (as to recommendations) but now, perhaps, it may be different in that point, as I conceive, you still retain the friendships of the now existing Secretarys, if so, a line to each, under cover to me here, have no doubt, wou’d have great weight, which from appearances on the debates in Congress there may be additional Clerks wanted in each department, but as there is a long string of applicants, my sole weight will avail but little I fear, without the aid of some well known friend, but if1 this Idea be too presumptive in me, I shall only feel sorry, that I have any ways troubled you; for I have not lived to these years be assured but to be contented in whatever happens probably for the best to Dr sir