In addressing the President of the United States my diffidence is relieved by the confidence I feel in the consideration of Mr. Jefferson as sufficient assurance of his excusing this liberty to which I am prompted by a very Natural wish to inhabit the Country, where only, I can be exempt from the incessant miseries of ill health, which so increase on me daily in my Native Country that no ties of affection even, can longer induce a wish to remain here another day—diffidence alone prevented this application long ago, but the tortures of accumulated diseas impel me to solicit a Consular or other appointment, either on the Barbary, or Christian Coast of the Mediterranean, which if Mr. Jefferson shou’d determin fit to favor me with, every exercise of duty which the strictest diligence can ensure, may be expected, and my real esteem and regard for the author of such appointment wou’d render me zealous in the exercise of my duties anxious to exhibit the character of an American in shewing my self the friend of my Patron and of my Country.