I beg leave to hand your Excellency the enclosed Introductory letter from my Uncle Elias Boudinot Esqr. and have the Pleasure to inform you that I have Since received a letter from the President of Congress enclosing me a Commission Under the great Seal of the United States Appointing me Commercial Agent for the United States at the Islands of Madeira and Porto Santo, to manage the occasional Concerns of Congress, to Assist the American Traders with my advice and to Solicit their Affairs with the Portugese Government, and it shall be my Constant Study in the execution of my office, to give General Satisfaction to my Country men, I am happy in the Honour of this Introduction to you and if I can be any ways Usefull to your Excellency in this Island you will Please to command me; my Relation Mr. John Searle Senr. was Suddenly Carried off with a fit of the gout in the Stomach, in February last, but his Demise will make no alteration in the firm of the House the Business being carried on as usual by the Surviving Partners, who will ever make it their Study to Imitate the example of their worthy Partner; Any of your Excellency’s friends who may in their way from Europe to America stop in at Madeira will be received and treated with true American hospitality, the 27th ulto. Arived here from Philadelphia the United States India man Capt Thomas Bell bound for the Court of Commandet and Canton in China   twelve in 125 Pipes of Wine for the India Market from Messrs. John Searle & Co. whose Vast connections in the India trade Put in in their Power to give some the full hints respecting the voiage, The Business of the Imperial East India Company is conducted by Messrs. John Searle & Co. at this Place should your Excellency or friends have Intrest with the french Company Trading to the East you will render me an eternal obligation by recommending this House to them Should your Excellency Honour me with an Answer to my letter you will Please forward Those London to the Care of Messrs. Bek & James and those via Lisbon to the Care of Messrs. Herman Vanzeller & Dorhman Merchant there wishing your Excellency degre of heath? I remain with every Sentiment of Esteem and Respect Your Excellencys Most obedient Humble Servant