I have recd the favour of your Letter of the 27th. [of last] month, and feel myself much interested in the subject of it. Mr Stoddert had before shewn me your Letter to him and to your son and I had consented to the Idea Suggested in them. The Navy however is a Scene of momentous responsibility to me and if a ship should be lost by any Man for whom I shall have made myself thus exclusively answerable, you know what candid constructions will be put upon your / old Friend and humble sert