It has been intimated to me, that, Mr Joshua Dodge means, through his friends in France, to apply to you to assist him in procuring the appointt of Consul in Marseilles: & his relatives here have applied to me to make him known to you.

I now take the liberty to say, that, Mr Dodge is a native of this town, brought up in my fathers Compting-house; has spent some time in Europe, speaks & writes the French & Italian languages, & is, in every respect, a correct & worthey young man, should he be appointed, I can have no doubt but he would do his duty faithfully, & be a better public agent, than many who hold similar appointments in Europe.

Trusting to your friendly disposition to excuse me: I am, very sincerely, yours.—

B W Crowninshield