The name of the young gentleman for whom the application was made is Moultrie. The Christian name I do not remember but it is probably mentioned in his Father’s letter to Mr Randolph which you told me had been filed with the papers of the Office. if it is not to be found there, Mr Randolph’s thinks it probable that David R. Williams may know it. he is the eldest son of Doctor James Moultrie of Charlston S. Carolina. the enclosed I must beg the favor of you to send by the first vessel that sails. this letter will be delivered to you by My Brother William’s son Beverley, who will spend a day in Washington on his way to west point if you are not engaged when he arrives I would be much obliged to you if you would ask him to dine with you any little attention from you being particularly grateful to the family. he will spend some days in Philadelphia where Jefferson will spend as much of his time with him as is consistent with his Studies, the first of March his is obliged to be at west point. the two little boys were vaccinated and had the disease finely Benjamin’s arm was very sore but he had no fever nor a moment’s indisposition of any kind that we were sensible of with it. James on the contrary had a very small place on the arm but was seriously indisposed for several days. the Geraniums in the little pot have come up from the root & are flourishing The Arbre vita is budding out also and a box which I take to be the savory is very flourishing. one more pot with a dead plant we have but of the other boxes & plant you mentioned I have heard nothing. the sweet scented grass that was sent on in the fall scarcely exibits the least sign of life I some times think there is a little green about the roots but am not allways certain even of that I must beg the favor of you to send Mary “the road to learning made pleasant” and “Select rhymes for the nursery” adieu My Dearest Father as the period of your labours draws near My heart beats with inexpressible anxiety and impatience. adieu My ever Dear and honoured Parent that the evening of your life may pass in serene & unclouded tranquility is the daily prayer, and as far as my powers will [. . .] will be the dearest and most sacred duty of your devoted child