I presume to intrude myself upon your notice, which your generosity will forgive: & if it is to ask a favour, nothing but the greatest confidence in that benevolence which you extend towards so many, & which I myself have formerly experienced, could have given me the courage, or furnished the inducement.

Since my removal from New London to Md, I have been endeavouring to establish a Classical Seminary in the neighbourhood of Baltimore: but from the great competition in this business, my own youth, & especially from the want of certificates, or of papers accrediting me as a Teacher, in whom confidence had been reposed, or who was entitled to it, my undertaking has not met with that encouragement which I wish, & which I hope it will merit.

My only resource, therefore, for the removal of these difficulties, is to apply to those by whom I was Known in Va & who honoured me with their attention, for a line, which will authenticate my standing in the Academy at New London, & the credit due to my fidelity as evinced in the publick examination of its students. Could you prevail on yourself, Sir, to give me something of this purport, I need not say how gratifying it would be to all who feel an interest in my welfare, nor what an essential benefit it would render