The bearer hereof Mr. William F. Pendleton wishes to get a commission in the United States army. Having no acquaintance with the President myself, I hope you will excuse the liberty of addressing this to you. Mr. Pendleton is the son of Colo. Philip Pendleton decd late of our county, a young man of excellent moral character, & has reseived a much better education than is common in the country at least in this neighbourhood; if his politicks are necessary to be known, so far as has come to my knowledge he is a republican & friend to the present administration. If I may be permitted to offer my humble opinion it is that if he has his health he will make a good officer. If it will not be improper here, I wish to inform you that I have seen with much pleasure your name among the worthies of our country as a candidate for the next Presidency, arduous as the task may be. I trust through divine aide you will discharge the office to the satisfaction of all good men. You may Sir be at a loss to know wherefore I have written this, but I can assure you that I have no motive save that of wishing to express what I really feel & believe, & further to say that if I am worthy of notice that it is what is due from one who has always been your sincere friend. That God may continue you in ⟨the⟩ t⟨   ⟩ ⟨many⟩ days to be farther useful to your country & at last take you to rest, is the fervent petition of Dr. Sir your obdt. ⟨most⟩ Hble. Servt.