Having been informed at the State Department, that the Office of Secretary to the Mississippi Territory is now vacant, I respectfully beg leave to say, that, should no one better qualified present himself to your view, I would cheerfully accept of it. To enumerate the reasons which induce this suggestion, would be equally useless and obtrusive. In making it, indeed, I may be thought to have lost sight of my appropriate sphere; but of this, Sir, you are the best judge, and if I have, will excuse it. The capacity requisite to an adequate discharge of the duties of such an appointment may not be mine, but of the zeal with which the little I possess would be exerted to that end, you have, I hope, a sufficient pledge. With the Sincerest wishes for the health and happiness of yourself and family, I remain, With the highest respect & esteem, Your Ob: Servant.