I have this moment learned that the French Government have refused an Exequatur to Mr. Cathalan who was appointed American Consul for the Port of Marseilles. You may, perhaps, recollect the apprehensions I have frequently expressed of the effects of the Climate of Hamburg on my health. Without any experience to justify, or remove those apprehensions, it will be particularly gratifying to me, if the intimation should not get to hand too late, to be appointed to the Agency at Marseilles, where, from a familiar Knowledge of the language, I flatter myself I Could be at least as useful to the Commerce of our Country as at Hamburg—to which Post I shall repair and attend the disposition of Government. Marseilles, it is said, is to be a free port, and will probably be the Emporium of the Mediterranean Commerce. I have the honor to be, With Great Respect, Sir, Your obliged & very humble Servant