Mr. James Vaughan junr. has informed me that he purposes Applying to Congress for an Employment in their intended Mint, and for some Encouragement to explore the United States with respect to the Ores, Minerals, &c. that may be contained in their Territories; and has requested of me a Line of Recommendation to you. I do not know how far his Views may be compatible with those of Congress, nor do I presume to have any Interest that may promote them: But if it may be of Use to him, I with pleasure give this Testimony, that I have known him some Years, during which he has been constantly engag’d in the diligent Study of Metallurgy and Mineralogy, and in travelling thro most of the Countries of Europe where there are Mines, and where those Sciences Flourish, to inspect the ore and converse with the learned and experienced Professors of the other: That he has brought with him to this Country a most valuable Collection of Books on the Subject, as well as a very great Assortment of all the different Ores, &c. and that I esteem him a Man of Probity and Integrity, as well as of great Skill and Ingenuity, so that in my Opinion if induc’d to stay among us with his Collections it will be a valuable Acquisition to our Country. With great Respect I have the honour to be Sir,