The Commission, we are both honoured with by His Majesty, to reside near the United States, being officially connected; affords us the agreable opportunity of acknowledging the honor of your Letter of the 11th: Instant directted to Don Joseph de Viar;1 and the uniformity of sentiments that prevails among us to shew our ready disposition towards doing any thing that (being in our power) may tend to the prosperity of America and benefit of its Citizens; and evince you at the same time of the high respectt and esteem we entertain for your worthy Character; has induced us to comply very willingly with your wishes, giveing a Certificate in behalf of the Ship Margarrett commanded by James Magee Esqr., in such terms as will enable the Commander (we hope) to recive every assisttance and marks of amity and attention; on the part of the Chieff-Commanders, in any of the Dominions of the King of Spain our Master, where the Ship might putt in.

The accident that Don Joseph de Viar met with, ten days ago breaking his left arm, being so recent; makes it impossible for him to have the pleasure of writting to you separetdly, but he, as well as Don Joseph de Jaudenes shall allways feel happy with the honor of 67 your Commands, to shew anew that— / They have the honor to be / Sir with much esteem / Your most obedient and / most humble servants

After my best regards to yourself and family, would immediately disclose to you the design of this letter.—1

Mr Jacob Welsh, an inhabitant of this Town, a gentleman of publick education, of good abilities & valuable improvements, born in Boston of reputable parents, & who spent some time in our army in the course of the last war, went to Europe before the end of it, first to France & then to England, where he purchased one of their carding & spinning cotton-Machines, & at great Hazard brought it to Boston. At a pretty early period he preferred a petition to the General Court, that they would make it their own, & allow him compensation for his risque & trouble. Whilst this petition was pending the Machine was so much exhibited to publick view, that it was a model after which 2 others have been made in this Commonwealth; so that the general court made him no compensation. He has now presented a petition to Congress on the same design, which he has given into the hands of Mr Ames, who promises to give him his aid. And to facilitate the business he has desired me to write you on the subject, requesting your attention to it; & if consistent with your views of propriety, to give him your support.—2 But, Sir, if he should be disappointed, & receive no compensation for his patriotick exertions in bringing said Machine into America, I hope the application may be the mean of introducing him to the knowledge of the 68 supreme authority of these States; so that upon the first opening of a sutable birth, he may have such an appointment under Congress, as will put him into reputable employment, & procure him the means of comfortable subsistence: for at present, by a series of misfortunes, he is very far from being opulent; & besides has an increasing family. He is qualified to fill many stations under the government with dignity & advantage; & is moreover a gentleman of good morals.—

If any station should be made, or become vacant, especially within the limits of Massachusetts, & you would be kind enough to speak in his behalf to President Washington, you would not only relieve a citizen of considerable merit; but confer an additional obligation on, Sir, your sincere friend, & very humble Servant