I have recd. your letter of yesterday, on the subject of your application for an office becoming vacant at Washington.

I need not assure you Sir that I have always entertained a very sincere esteem for your character, with the best wishes for your welfare, nor remark that I well know of the repeated proofs you have recd. of the public favor & confidence. But I could not comply with the request you make, without violating a rule, which circumstances have for a considerable time prescribed to me and subjecting myself to a charge of inconsistency from those towards whom it has been observed.

I return the letters inclosed in yours with a tender of my cordial salutations.