By direction of your son I take the liberty to enclose to your Care a letter for him, and have to request you to forward it on to him per first post, in case he should have return’d to Boston before this reaches Philadelphia, as it respects a suit which he has undertaken in my behalf—1

This memorable day in the history of America will ever be an interesting Anniversary to Bostonians—particularly to them, being Actors in the important Drama, though it involved every Citizen of the States in its effects— It is a fête peculiar to us & will ever bring up solemn recollection in our minds.—2 From this æra we cannot but admire the workings of that Almighty hand which has conducted us to this period of political happiness—

This sentiment, involving in it the idea of our Constitutions of Government, leads me to mention your defence of them; which I am now reading— I am indebted to you for the gift—& likewise for the important information they contain— By contrast every thing 5 appears most to advantage—and this only history of the Constitutions of Government that have existed in the world, must ever be interesting to Americans, & enforce upon them the necessity of supporting the principles of our present Constitutions—nor can they do this without feeling gratitude to him who has taught them this important secret—

I beg to present my respectfull remembrance to Mrs: Adams—& the family—and to assure you, that with sentiments of esteem & respect, I am, dear sir, / Your friend—if you’ll allow me the priviledge, / & huml: servt:

having observed in a Philadelphia paper under date of the 24th. februy., that a Steward is wanted for the Presidents household; being much reduced in my circumstances, and considering myself well qualified for that business, have concluded that the birth might be worth my acceptance, which leads me to solicit your Excellencys recommendation in my behalf,1 for that purpose; hoping from your Excellencys known Candour, and benignity, that you will overlook any impropriety that may appear in this Application.

Your Excellency is doubtless acquainted with the origin of my family, being nearly related to the Averys at Boston; and were you as well informed of the sentiments which actuated my conduct in behalf of America during the late War, and the trouble which attended me in a British Government, in Consequence of the support Afforded to four Masters of American ships, in Accomplishing their escape in a boat down the Bay of Fundy, for which I was imprisoned, and indicted for treasonable Correspondence, and of which I believe Colo: Wadsworth from other representations, could give you some account, you would I am persuaded think that I meritted some favour from a Country I was taken from this state by my father at the settling of 6 Nova Scotia in the Year 1760. & returnd here in 1785. the welfare of which was ever the highest object of my wishes; notwithstanding its inhabitants captured from me during the war, in five vessels, the amount of Seven Thousand pounds Sterling, which has reduced me to such straits, that it is with the utmost difficulty that I can support a family, which in point of Amiableness, and respectability, (poverty only excepted) might vie with any in this state.

not to be further tedious, I will only assure your Excellency, that no part of my conduct shall ever Counteract any thing you may be pleased to say or do in my favour; Nevertheless my accepting of the place of Steward must depend upon the wages that is allowed, because if I cannot better my situation I must remain as I am, with the highest sentiments of esteem

Your Excellencys most respectfull / & very Obedt humble Servant