
          NewBurgh March 14th 1846


 Dear Sir


 I send you enclosed my application to the Secretary of the
 navy for a post on the on the Expedition to Oregon. Not being very
 well versed in the art of making petitions, I beg you will make
 any alteration you may think proper and redirect it to myself
 but should it meet your approbation will you please send it by
 the Princeton mail to its destination. You will observe that I say
 nothing whatever of my qualification for the office. a letter from yourself
 would go much farther than any unassisted assertion of mine. and
 as you kindly offered me your influnce, may I hope that you will
 accompany this with whatever information you  may deem proper.


 The desire to go westward has much increased since my return
 home and were it possible to go in any other way, than the one now
 now suggested, I should not hesitate a moment, but would start with
 one of the many parties bound for Santa Fé or Calofornia [California].


 For any defence of what you may term fickleness in deserting my professions
 when tis nearly gained, I must wait some more favorable opportunity. At
 all events do not refer it to the mere longings of a roving restless
 spirits for that be assured is not the cause.


 I shall await with some degree of anxiety your answer and what you
 think will be the probability of success.
        