In looking over the characters which I would have wished to select for the Secretaryship of New Orleans, you had often occurred to me, but the doubt that you would not quit a profession which you follow with so much respectability had discouraged me from proposing it to you. an opportunity occurring however of doing it through mr Page, I now learn with great pleasure that you will accept the commission. it is therefore inclosed to you. with respect to the time of your going, I feel it a duty to say that from all the information I have recieved, a stranger to the climate should not arrive there till the middle or last of October. I believe it therefore to be for the public interest to inform you that, out of regard to your health, I shall be contented if you be not there till that time. a longer absence would occasion suffering to the public interest, as the presence of the Secretary is even now much needed. with respect to the commencement of the salary, I cannot speak with certainty, but believe it is not till your arrival there & qualification. I think it has been permitted to advance a quarter’s salary on going: but of these two points the Secretary of the Treasury can better inform you, as also how you may draw your salary when there. mr Graham, the former Secretary, now in Richmond, can probably give you much useful information as to the place, & particularly as to the virulent faction which has set itself in opposition to the government there. I salute you with great esteem & respect.