I hope my dear friend will excuse my breaking in upon his more Serious occupations & having once more recourse to the friendship to which I am already much indebted—

Having been for some time past without employment or expectations here, I have been learning to read Spanish & have made a tolerable proficiency; not knowing the use it may be of to me hereafter, my desire is to learn to Speak it which cannot easily do without going into the Country. I have obtained my father’s permission to do so, but am unable to profit of it, by the prohibition of Entry into that Kingdom to all English & unless I could go as an American must renounce the project—You know my Situation & sentiments & I must leave it to you to Judge if it would be improper to request your Grandfather to assist me with a proper passport or Certificate—If you find it so in the least please not to mention it to him as I would rather Sacrifice any thing than his good opinion—My intention was to go to some Inland Town remarked for the purity of its language—but as I am intended for Commerce my father Urges my going to Cadiz as a means of acquiring knowledge in this line—I acquiece in his opinion & am in hopes my knowledge of English & French may be a means of recommending me to some house where I can remain till a favorable opportunity offers to resume my projects with respect to America—

We are greatly alarmed by the long delay of our W. India fleet but hope the Change of wind & weather which has taken place will bring them soon into good port—The want of it is very sensibly felt—

I hope yourself & G-father are in good health & that you may long continue so for your own & the publick advantage. I beg you will present him with my most aff. Respects. It may appear a Gasconade my offring you my services here but be assured my dear Sir that you could not oblige me more effectually than putting it in my power to make them useful to you both here & elsewhere. I remain with unfeigned Esteem Your affectionate friend & servt