After making out the Commission which you lately directed should issue for Benajah Nicholls as Surveyor of the Port of Windsor in North Carolina, I discovered, that not longer ago than the 20 ult, a Commission had issued for William H. Ruffin appointing him to the same office. This has led me to suppose that the appointment of Nicholls has been in consequence of the other having escaped your recollection. In pursuance of this idea the Commission for Nicholls has been retained at the Treasury until your pleasure be known.

I have the honor to be, with perfect respect, Sir, your most ob Set.