A Man’s applying, himself, for a lucrative Office, is, under many Circumstances, indelicate: perhaps, too, the Request I am now about to make of You, may be considered in the same Point of View, tho’ Profit and Emolument are out of the Question; as it may imply presumption and Vanity, in one who has no Pretensions to Fortune, and but little to Science. I am, however, actuated by a Love of Learning and a Desire to promote it; which I beg may be my Apology. To be explicit, I find, Sir, by the Federal Gazette of Saturday, that the Places of four Trustees of the College, yet vacant, are to be filled by Election, this day. I am a Son of that Institution, and sincerely wish its prosperity. If you should be of the Opinion, that a Person of so little Importance as I am, might be of Use, as one of the Trustees of this, my Alma Mater, and the Name of a more suitable Character should not occur, I would then, Sir, desire the favor of You (should you yourself think it proper), to propose my Name.

I have to ask your Pardon for troubling You, in a Matter of this Kind: And shall only make this farther Request, that you will be pleased, whether You should approve or disapprove of this Application, not to make Mention of it, and to commit this Paper to the Fire. I have the Honor to be, With the most respectful Attachment Sir, Your most Obedient humble servant