On the 31st. Ult. I had the Honor to recieve Via Hamburg a Circular from the Department of State ⟨be⟩aring date 26 August 1802 signed D. Brent, containing ⟨y⟩our instructions for the future expenditure of public ⟨m⟩oney, for the relief of American Seamen abroad.

I have by the present the Honor to acquaint you ⟨t⟩hat the Sum stipulated by Congress, is by no means adequate to the sustenance of a Man in this country at any season, but espicially during the Winter when no employment can be obtained for him.

For my indemnity for the present and Security for the future, I beg leave to be advised by you, that in ⟨c⟩ase any distressed American seamen should throw them⟨se⟩lves on my protection, whether or not I shall provide ⟨f⟩or them on as reasonable terms possible which I think may be from 20 to 25 Cents ⅌ Diem for eac⟨h⟩ man.

I have only to add that I shall adhere strictly to the incumbent duties of my Office, and as a Commercial House beg leave to offer my Servi⟨ces⟩ in case my Country should have occasion for them in supplying her with naval and other Stores, in which this Country abounds. I have the honor to be Most respectfully Sir! Your very obedient Servant