Having understood that the office of Secretary of the Territory of Orleans is vacant, I respectfully solicit that appointment, and beg leave to assure your Excellency that should I be so fortunate as to obtain it, the summit of my ambition would ever be (by a faithful & diligent discharge of the duties thereof) to merit your approbation.

I have ventured to make this application unsupported by a particular recommendation, and am therefore apprehensive that it may be considered presumptuous in me—I have however been encouraged to take this liberty from a belief that (obscure as I am) my character is not altogether unknown to your Excellency, as I have already had the honor to present to you some testimonials respecting it, particularly a document signed by Messrs. Condit & Kitchell of the United States Senate.

I have the honor to be with profound respect & consideration Your Excellency’s most obedt. & faithful Servt.