I received last night your favor of the 5th. The letter for our minister at Berlin shall be forwarded as you desire & thank you for dispatching the instructions to the collectors & the commission to Mr. Bushrod Washington.

There were two young gentlemen nephews to the <president> general who were at college, when my family was in Philadelphia, & sometimes visited us, who appeared to me to be promising young men. I wish you would suggest to Mr McHenry to make some inquiry about them, and find out <whether out> whether they are proper for any appointment in the army or otherwise; & whether they are desirous of publick employment. The delicacy which has restrained the family may do injustice to them & the public, if some precautions are not taken. I am Sir / your most obedient