I am informed that Mr. Robert T. Spence is under an arrest at Richmond on suspicion of being concern’d in Burr’s affair; I feel myself interested in the welfare of this young man as I recommended him, and he is the only officer as I beleive from this State, in our Navy; I by no means whish to clear the guilty, but considering his youth and inexperience, I must pray you Sr. to shew him all that indulgence, that you may see to be reasonable and proper, and if consistant, that he might be continued in the service and restored his rank.

Wishing you every Blessing I am with the highest consideration Dear Sr. your most Oblig’d Hbl. Sevt