I have recd your letter of the 15th.1 I feel in common with all who were acquainted with your Father the sincerest respect for the public & private virtues which adorned his character. I find myself precluded nevertheless from the particular mark of it which you request, by the number of like applications, and the general rule they have constrained me to adopt, of declining the desired interpositions; more especially when I could add nothing to the information or considerations which ought to have weight in the case. I can only therefore tender you my wishes that the way may be found open for the attainment of your object, and that whatever be your career in life, it may prove a happy one.