As the tender Ivy, when boreas blows, naturally, entwines the Sturdy Oak for Support, So, poor literary wights, like my self, must, occasionally, look up to their Superiors in Station & influence.

Having, in the course of last year, lost by Robbery & mis-placed confidence, in depraved men, most of the fruits of many year’s arduous industry, both in School & at the desk—I am now, at Sixty years of age reduced to penury!—I have now, two works ready for the Press, by which I might clear a few hundred dollars; But, am utterly unable to purchase the necessary paper.

I must, therefore relinquish these works, or dispose of them for a triffle to some avaricious Book-seller.

I am, at present, very desirous to obtain the office of an Inspector of the customs here, which neats 730$ pr annum.

When, my relation, the Hon. Alexander McRae, passed through this place, a few months Since, on His return from France;

I informed him of the disasters which I had met with, & my intention of applying for a birth in the custom-house; likewise, that I could obtain recommendations from DeWitt Clinton & Some other respectable characters in the Republican ranks—Mr McRae, observed “that he understood that Mr Clinton & David Gelston, the Collector were not upon the most friendly terms; that I had better apply to the late President of the United States, or Some highly influential character that he had no doubt of my obtaining my object—He further added, that if I did not obtain a recommendation from Such a quarter that he would write to his intimate friend The Secretary of State, to write a few lines to David Gelston,1 to request of him, as a personal favour, to confer the office on2 me.

The affability & Benevolence of Your character, induces me to hope, that you will pardon, the Seeming impertinences of, the freedom of the following request;—Namely, that you would have the goodness, to favour me with a few lines to David Gelston Esqr as your name, as it ought, will have great weight with the Collector: Mr Clinton, Genl Morton, R. Riker Esqr & Sulvanus Miller Esqr are Gent, [of]3 good Standing here.—

Should you think proper to aid a poor, & almost broken-hearted old man; may that Almighty Being, who delights in benevolent actions, reward you, not only temporally here, but, eternally hereafter.