With much diffidence I am going to address you on a subject which I presume is not new to you. It is on the appointment of a Librarian of both houses of Congress.

My desire is to offer to you, as a fit person for that office, a young gentleman of Alexandria, a native of that place, whose name is William F. Gray. He is well qualified for that place in every respect; is genteel in his person; well informed in science & literature; possesses a capacity far above that which falls to the lot of mankind, generally; his moral and political sentiments are of the purest kind; and for veracity his superior exists not. His habits & manners are economical & plain, therefore improvement, rather than salary, is his principal object. He has been for seven years past engaged in the book business, and has a perfect knowledge of the binding of books, which latter acquirement I should suppose very benificial as librarian

His not having many friends in this place acquainted with his character, & being totally unknown to you, sir, has induced him to apply through me, being the only person, perhaps, in this City, of whom you have knowledge enough to place reliance on what may be said in his favour.

In rendering him this service I have only done a duty which I think one man owes to another in similar circumstances; and although I have little reason to believe that my recommendation can bear much against many others which have, or may hereafter be made, yet I have the satisfaction to believe that they have sprung from a conscientiousness that intrinsic merit & not names or professions is the guide by which you are governed in selecting for office, so far as you can have the means of assertaining the fact.

With an honest view I have presumed to offer you a young gentleman of merit & rising talents; and in whom, I am happy to think, no person will ever be deceived.

With great respect, I have the honor to be, your excellency’s Mo ob Servt.