My friend, John Slocum, esquire, surveyor of this port, will have the honor to present to the President this letter, which is intended as an introduction, not only to the distinction with which every respectable man is received, but to the confidence of the President, if inclined to confer with him upon the affairs of this State. To take liberties like these may be considered as the height of presumption—but to the condescension of the President hitherto, must be attributed my forwardness—as I have repeatedly had occasion to remark. Mr. Slocum is an honest man and a genuine republican—his conduct—his exertions entitle him to great credit. No man among us is more deserving the esteem of every one who respects independent and manly efforts in the cause of freedom & virtue. I value him highly, myself—I place unlimited confidence in his integrity in private and public life—can I then hesitate in recommending him to the President as worthy of his confidence & favorable notice?

With assurances of profound respect, I pray the President to permit me to offer those of the most sincere esteem