
          Emmitsburg Md.
 Apr. 1. 1853


 My dear Sir


 An opportunity seems now to offer
 whereby an important addition to my limited income 
 may be available provided yourself and a few other
 friends to whom I have applied, feel at liberty to say
 a word in my favour. I have applied for the appointment
 of "Examiner of drugs &c." for the Port of Baltimore
 and being personally unknown to the appointing powers
 need a few testimonials. Politically I am orthodox
 & for scientific fitness can only rely upon the notorious
 fact that I have been for more than fifteen years
 Professor of Chemistry and Pharmacy in the University
 of Maryland - a sufficient guarantee that
 the interests of the public will be safe in my hands.


 If you feel at liberty to do any thing for me in
 the form of a letter to the Sec. [Secretary] of the Treasury or to any
 member of the Cabinet or as a mere general testimonial
 to be laid before the Sec. [Secretary] of the Treas. [Treasury] the
 influence of your name and public position would
 go far towards determining the matter in my
 favour. As the appointment is momentarily expected
 to be made I would by happy to hear from
        