At the desire of my Brother John M. Forbes (now of Hamburg) I take the liberty ⟨of⟩ addressing you. Informed of the friendly & important aid you gave him in his present consular Appointment, I feel a hope that you will not deem this intrusion improper.

I have received Letters from my Brother since his arrival in Hamburg mentioning the return of a Severe Rheumatick Complaint to which he has been some years Subject and expressing Serious apprehensions of the possibillity of his continuing at his post, particularly in Winter, owing to the climate, which is peculiarly unfavourable to his disorder. Under these circumstances I am desired to make ⟨a⟩pplication, whenever a vacancy Should ⟨ta⟩ke place in France, for a Change of situation. I have just heard that Mr. Doble of Havre de Grace had resigned. If I mistake not, my Brother was led to hope (previous to his appointment to Hamburg⟨)⟩ that in such an event he Should be considered as a prior Candidate. Shoul⟨d⟩ this Sir, be your view of the subject and it is consistent with the arrangements of Government to remove him to the Consulate of Havre, you wil⟨l⟩ add to the many obligations you hav⟨e⟩ already conferred on a young man, wh⟨o⟩ will loose no occasion of rendering himself worthy your confidence

The Consulate of Hamburg is by far preferable to that of Havre. For whomsoever Government has destined the latter the exchange must prov⟨e⟩ highly advantageous. I am, with great respect, Sir, Your Obed Servant