I was early this morning my dear President with Col. H[oward] & he called on me Just now.

I had I thought good ground this morning to conclude that he would accept your call.1

Now I fear he will not—I beleive his state of health which he says can with difficulty be kept tolerable by freedom from business, & daily exercise is his cheif objection—He will write to you in a few days from Annapolis where he is obliged to go on senatorial business tomorrow—I lament my dear President your lot; yet recollect how much our country relys on you alone. ever & affy yours