The situation of my Family which is in this Country added to the great derangements made in Commercial Matters by the Peace—renders my Return to Europe very injurious to them & my own affairs. I am therefore oblidged to yield to the imperious necessaty which forbids my return & longer to enjoy the satisfaction of serving the Goverment at Rotterdam to which Place I was appointed Consul some time since. You will be so oblidging to make this known to the President assuring him of my high respect & obligation. I take the liberty at this same time to observe, that Lawson Allexander Esqr. has since my Departure been acting as Agent for the Consulate. He is a native Citizen of America & has given great satisfaction since his appointment. It would therfore give me great pleasure to know he was appointed my successor. No doubt application will be made for him through other Persons, & his value made known to the Executive. I have the Honor to be with respect & consideration Yr obl. Hml. S.