My Son (Thomas)1 now in the 24th year of his age, who was educated at Yale College, and has since studied law, having always evinced, and still continuing to have so decided a preference of the military profession to all others, that his mother and myself have yielded to his wishes, and he will shortly proceed to St Petersburg to offer his services to the Emperor of Russia; with the explicit understanding that his object is to obtain a military education, at his own expense, that he may be useful to his own Country, to which he is to remain at liberty to return at pleasure, unrestrained by any allegiance or obligation except an Oath of fidelity, whilst2 in the Russian service—This Mr Poletica, who has entered warmly into my Sons views, says is all that will be required by his Government.—

The testimonials, and kind interest in favor of my Son by the Executive, mr Adams, mr Pinkney, former3 ministers to Russia, & some other distinguished american4 characters, now at the seat of Government, together with all the foreign ministers and Charge dés affaires, are very flattering, do him much honor, and will, it is believed, put him on a favorable & advantageous footing in a foreign Country; but, we are told by mr Poletica and others, what my Son & self, are well assured of, that nothing would be so useful as something that you, Sir, might be pleased to say of a young American on such an occasion, addressed, either to the Emperor himself (which mr poletica says would be received with great deference from you, Sir, or Mr Madison)5 or if preferred by you, to Count Nesselrode, mr middleton, our minister at St Petersburg, or to himself (Mr Poletica).—

If I have been too presuming, Sir, in thus addressing you, I trust that the interesting nature of the subject to a parents feelings and the high value I should place on any thing that you might be pleased to say on it will plead my excuse.—.