Being about to remove to the Missippi Territory, I have taken the liberty of troubling you with a request that you would favour me with a letter of introduction to some person in that quarter.

It is with much diffidence that I address to you, this application, particularly at a time when affairs of magnitude and public importance, demand and occupy your attention.—But should want of liesure or other causes render unsuitable a compliance with the request, I would not tax your politeness with the trouble of reply, and you may consider the application as having not been made. For at the same time that the favour I ask, would be recollected with gratitude, I am conscious that it is one which I have no right to expect, and I should know how to apreciate the motives which would dictate a refusal.

I have the honour to be with great respect Your Sincere friend and Humble Servant