Permit me, without an unnecessary Preface, to present myself to you as a Candidate for the office of Collector in the Port of Norfolk; provided, you have not already designated the Person who is to fill it. I fear the Application will surprize you; it is true, I make it with Reluctance on several Grounds; nor would I have made it, had I not a Son, in his 23 Year, regularly educated in one of the first mercantile Houses in Baltimore, & is distinguish’d, I think, for his Intelligence, Integrity & Industry, upon whose assistance I could rely in the Discharge of the Duties required.

Hitherto I have laboured for others; but not for myself. It is not then to be wondered at, that I should seek for an office, which may offer some Emolument; & eventually, perhaps, be confer’d upon my Son. In my Case, I assure myself, that your experienced Goodness & Friendship will excuse this application. If fortunate, I should rejoice; if otherwise, I still remain equally, Dr Sir, with the highest Respect & Esteem, Yr Friend & Sevt