I had the honor yesterday of receiving your letter of the 23d Ult. at this place where I have been four days attending my duty in the Legislature of this State; the post road from Portsmouth not passing thro’ this Town prevented my receiving your favo’r sooner. Indeed my dear President, you can better conceive than I can possably describe, my feelings when I consider the kind offer which you have been pleased to make me, that of Secretary of the Navy. Tho’ I think myself unequal to the Station, yet the great desire I have of associateg with those, who I sincerely respect and love, and at the same time find it almost impossable to accept, distresses me beyond measure. hope to return to Portsmouth in ten days when I shall see my Brother who no doubt, will have returnd from Washington by that time, when I will come to a determination what to do in this important Business—

I pray you Sr. to accept of my greatful acknowledgements for all your goodness and kindness, and believe me with the most sincere respect and attachment

Dear Sr. your obliged Servant