Having seen the death of Doctr Barton announced in the public prints & thinking it likely that some changs may take place in the Medical School at Phila., by which a Professor of Chemistry may be to be chosen, I have, after some hesitation, determined to use with you the freedom of a friend by mentioning our respectable fellow Citizen Robt Hare to fill that chair, should a vacancy be created. It may seem presumptuous in me, the resident of another State, to recommend a Philadelphian to the favor of those who ought to know his qualifications better than I do, and who are so much more competent to Judge of them. Indeed, my own Judgment suggests that I stand fairly exposed to this charge, and theref[o]re I shall only plead in mitigation of it, the friendship I feel for this gentleman & his family, and the high opinion I entertain of his talents in general, & particularly in relation to this branch of medical Science. I would also make this additional apology, that no State in this Union sends to that College more medical Students than Virga, and on that account I feel a strong interest in the success of this valuable institution. It is besides no trifling consideration with me that this gentleman is an american & a native of a City to which I have always felt myself attached.

     Should you think of Mr H. as I do, I shall feel personally obliged by any assistance you may afford him. I am Dear Sir very respectfully & sincerely yrs