It was my intention when I last paid my respects to you, to have renewed my request in behalf of William Otis, whose father is collector for the district of Barnstable in the State of Massachusetts, but an unusual pressure of business at the close of the session, induced me to prefer applying in this mode & at a season of more leisure. This young man hath been long a deputy or assistant to his father; And executes the business of the office as I am informed, to the approbation of the Treasury department; and by his talents & experience, he appears the best qualified of any man in the district, to secure its continuence. Joseph Otis his father, is become old, & hath nothing left from unsuccessful commerce, succeeded by long service in the office, but honest fame. His son will therefore cheerfully perform the duties of the office for his fathers benefit, in hope that one day, the emoluments may become his own. And his father will be perfectly satisfied with the sons appointment.

The young mans family, respected for their exertions & sufferings in the cause of their Country & its independence, hath conciliatd public favour to him, & his own correct deportment, talents and experience in business, have confirmed it. So that his appointment, should you be pleased to make it, would not only be a public benefit, but a gratification to his republican friends, who constitute a great majority of the district.

I can only add that I should feel myself much obliged by your favorable Mention to this application, & my assurances of unabating respect & esteem from

Your obedient & most humble Servt