In April 1778 I made bold to address You Some lines and to offer my Services For Quality of Consul for the united Province of America in this Place and Province.

It was I must confess to Soon at that Time to make this Application, but as the Independency of the united Provinces is now acknowledged by Great Britain, and I make not the least doubt will equally be so by all the European Powers and a Peace be soon finally concluded.

I take again the Freedom to sollicitate Your Approbation or Intercession with the Congress for naming me their Consul, persuaded as I am that whatever Benefit may result to me by this Nomination, the Nation will equally find it their Interest, to which I shall attach myself with Integrity and particular Application. I likewise address myself for the same Purpose to John Jay Esqr. who has resided at Madrid, as some of my friends at Said Metropolis have wrote him in my Favour and convinced him of My Solidity.

I therefore beg most humbly You would favour me with a Reply and communicate Your Determination which If in my favour will always be acknowledged with the Utmost Gratitude and Devocement (Devotion?) to your Commands, whilst in the mean while I subscribe myself with the greatest Respect Honourable sir Your obedient and most devoted humble servant