My friend Mr Wm. O Sprigg has just made known to me his wish to be mentioned to you as a candidate for the Office of Marshall about to be vacant by the resignation of Col. Brent. The profession of the law is that to which he was bred, and tho’ a man of considerable acquirements in that profession, the practice has not answered his expectations

He lived in my family four years, I can speak with the utmost confidence of his honor & his intergrety and I beleive I might venture to add his industry and attention to business, of his capacity to fill the Office I presume there can be no doubt.

No longer a Citizen of the District of Columbia, I do not feel myself at liberty to interfere with its local concerns, but in this instance my friendship for the man, must be my appology for troubling you with this letter

Wishing you health and happiness I have the honor to be with high respect Your Obedt Servt