Your Letter, of the 23d instt has come to the hands1 of the Presidt who has directed me to acknowledge the receipt of it[.] Your situation therein described is indeed unfortunate, & such as He could wish to better (as nothing gives him more pleasure than to relieve the wants of the distressed, & to encourage industry)—did He conceive it to comport with the various pecuniary calls which he of necessity is obliged to answer, besides objects which are daily presenting themselves & demanding assistance; but so very numerous & urgent are they, that it is impossible that all can be accomodated. These circumstance put it out of his power to afford you the aid you ask, which, in other circumstances, it would give him pleasure to grant. I am Sir &ca