It is with sentiments of the greatest respect & regard that I presume to address you. I had the honour (last march) to have some conversation with you respecting to permit me to cultivate the publick Lands in this city; your Excellency told me then, that you could do nothing in it without the approbation of Congress, or something to that effect; therefore I spoke to numbers of the members respecting the case, and they seem very glad that I would undertake it, and desires me to present a petition to both houses; but would not, untill I would acquaint your Excellency of the matter. I can produce to you, Sir, sufficient testimony that I know how to mannage it to your satisfaction.

I beg of your Excellency, to grant me these Lands as I am entirely out of employment; and if I dont succeed in this, give me some other birthin in your employ. Should your Excellency permit me to mannage one of your Farms, I will do it for ¼ of the Salary that is offered to me by Charles Carroll of Carrollton—I conclude with wishing you good health. I have the honour to be with the greatest esteem

Your Excellency’s/ Most humble & most Obt. Servant.—