The last letr. from my family commands me to make the only effort in my power to preserve a life, the loss of which will bear me to the grave with unceasing woe. We shd. have gone to the Bermudas where I have a fast friend who had offered me his house even purse. But our condition with G Britain arrested my plan. My Physician advises So. America, as New-Orleans the only place within our territory, is from its impurity of air & water rejected.

Charlestown was tried by my Wifes sister & injury resulted from it. There was not sufficient heat & too much moisture. The latter is the case with New orleans & The mississippi.

Brazils is dry & warm & with that government we stand on a friendly footing. It is the only spot at this time open to a person situated as I am.

I had wished that I could have been made useful to my Country, but this wish I forego if improper, tho I confess I feel not the weight of the objection made to my proposal.

I have served in war & in peace the US. I never asked for any office, or even favor before, from Govt. or any member of govt. Nor shd. I do it now, but for the peculiarity of my condition. It was done with reluctance, altho to you, in whose friendship of most men on earth, I have ever greatly relied.

I propose calling on you this evening or tomorrow some leisure hour, & then will hear Yr. decision.

I hope you continue to mend in health & that you ⟨m⟩ay long enjoy that, with all other blessings. Yrs. ever