Having understood that a vacancy has taken place in the naval Office, by the Death of Dr Phile I presume to sollicit the appointment to that Office, provided The President conceives me qualified for it—I will not trouble The President with enumerating the motives which occasion the solicitation, and will only beg leave to mention, That if I had not been prevented by the Indian War, from removing my Family to the Western Country, where I have some property in Lands—I should not have become troublesome with my solicitation—But as I am situated at present; not having added to, but diminishd my little fortune during the War, and not having it in my power to return with propriety to the only occupation or calling I was brought up to1—I wish to serve my Country as well as myself in some way or other, untill I can with safety retire with my Family to the Ohio. I have the Honor to be with the highest Respect Sir your most Obedt humble Servant