I had the pleasure of receiving your esteemed favor of the 19th. inst: by the mail of to day. This distinguished mark of your confidence, added to those I had before experienced, excites feelings, which I cannot express, nor shall I ever forget. It is the more grateful, because flowing spontaneously from yourself, unsought & unsolicited. Should the commission succeed your nomination, to the important and honorable post of Attorney General of the United States, I shall endeavour to perform the duties of the office, with an honest & perfect fidelity: And could I flatter myself, that a disinterested devotion to the public welfare, at all times, but more especially at this crisis, accompanied with the sincerest political regard & personal attachment to yourself, could compensate for any deficiency of talents or knowledge on my part; I should hope that in my earnest wishes to give satisfaction to your administration & the publick I should not be altogether disappointed.

I shall, agreeably to your desire, make the necessary arrangements for being at the seat of goverment, as soon as possible after the commission arrives; leaving my family here until the spring. As I shall want to bring on a number of books which I could not well do without, I shall be obliged to take a private conveyance & shall loose no time, since you mention, that Executive business is pressing & my presence will be indispensably necessary at the Supreme Court. I am Dear Sir

Yours Most Sincerely