The last mail brought me a Letter, dated the 3d of Novr. last,1 from the House of the Messrs. Fox at Falmouth in England; mentioning the Death of Mr. Robert Were Fox, who had long been our Consul there; and who they observe had recd. repeated Testimonies of the approbation of our Government.

They express a Desire that his Son Robert, whom they represent as being a Man of “Ability Integrity and Experience” may be appointed to succeed him; and request me to recommend it. Of this Gentleman’s Qualifications for the office, I have no other knowledge or Information, but what I derive from the Letter in question. In Case the Business of that Consulate has long been well managed by the late Principal of that House, it appears probable, that should the Son, who is one of the Partners, be appointed; the Business (which must be familiar & interesting to them all) would still continue to be well managed.

On my arrival at Falmouth in 1794, I recd. friendly and obliging attentions from them. Their Letter implies a Confidence in my Friendliness, which I feel unwilling to disregard—especially as I think it desireable that, on all occasions, the Merit of a Father should be made advantageous to his Son, provided it can be done with Propriety—

Desiring to abstain from all Interference in Matters of this kind, their Letter caused some Embarrassment— on further Consideration, I concluded to write these few Lines to you on the Subject, being persuaded that they would find an Appology in the Motives which prompted them With great Esteem and Regard I am, Dear Sir, your obt Servt