The public papers having announced the death of Mr. Purviance, Collector of the port of Baltimore, I have taken the liberty to solicit you for that office. I did not know of the death of Mr. Purviance until I came to this place on monday last, since which time I have been detained here in the transaction of the public business, and must necessarily be so for some days to come, else I should have waited on you personally. I now beg leave to refer you, Sir, to letter I had the honor to address to you last november was a year, which I presume is on your files—It is not for me in this place to speak of my pretinsions to the confidence of the Executive authority of my Country, This I must leave for others to do Several of whom I mentioned in the letter within alluded to.

My being reduced to hobble on a crutch hinders me from making use of those active exertions for the support of my family which I could else have sustained—I most cheerfully submit my standing to any examination—I have the Honor to be with the most perfect consideration and respect

your Mo. Obdt Huml. Servant