I have recd. your letter of the 8th. requesting a recommendation to the President of the U. S. of your son F. M. Page, and Grand Son of the late Govr. Page & Genl. Nelson for a Midshipman’s Warrant. Knowing as I do the personal & political merits belonging to their distinguished names, & the particular sacrifices made by their devotion to the cause of their Country at the expence of their families I cannot but wish success to the views of your son, deserving as I doubt not he is of it. But the numerous applications made to me for like interpositions have imposed on me a rule of forbearance which I have adhered to in cases of the most pressing nature. It is with regret therefore that I am precluded even in this, from a compliance with your request. I learn with pleasure that your Son has been furnished with recommendations from the Gentlen. you name which I am sure will have the full weight to which they are entitled. Allow me to add Sir, to my sincere wish for the success of your Son, in the first step to the career he has chosen, the further wish that the sequel may prove equally honorable to himself as serviceable to his country. I tender you Sir assurancies which I pray you to accept, of my esteem & my friendly regards