I had the Honour of receiving your Letter of the 8th. ⟨in⟩stant, inclosing my Commission as Commercial Agent ⟨a⟩t Calais, with instructions for my government. Be assured ⟨S⟩ir, of my zeal & attention to the Duties of the Office, & that ⟨al⟩l my views will be directed by a wish to promote the ⟨H⟩onour of my Country & to facilitate the lawful pursuits ⟨of⟩ individuals who may demand my services. The Bond is inclosed as you directed.

When at Washington, I was led to expect by the President, ⟨th⟩at in case of vacancy at Dunkerque, it woud be annexed ⟨to⟩ my Department; if such an event shoud take place, ⟨w⟩ill you allow me Sir to solicit your influence to that ⟨ef⟩fect; the two Ports of Dunkerque & Calais being so contiguo⟨us I⟩ coud attend to both, and the Commercial advantages ⟨of⟩ the former, woud remunerate for the unprofitable services I shall be called upon to perform at the latter, where a great influx of Passengers will give employment without much pecuniary benefit.

I propose going Eastward to embark in the first Vessell that offers for France. During my residence in that Country I shall be happy upon every occasion ⟨to⟩ assure you of the respect with which I have the Hono⟨ur⟩ to be your Obedient & humble Servt.