I presume upon the acquaintance which I had the pleasure to form with you at Mount Vernon some years past, to solicit a favour, which, if consistently with propriety, you can conveniently grant, will lay me under very singular obligations to you.

     Many years ago, Genl. Eaton brought from the Mediterranean a few of the Tunis sheep, called by way of distinction the Tunis Mountain broad tail sheep, which were distributed amongst some of his friends, one of which came into the possession of Judge Peters &; is very particularly described by him in one of the volumes of the Agricultural reports of Pennsylva.

     I think that the cross of that sheep with those of our own Country, resulted in the best breed, as it respected the flesh, and (for the domestick manufactors of the Southern States) the wool, that I have ever seen. I once introduced into my flock a half blooded ram of that breed, and greatly improved it in both respects; but I unfortunately lost &; have never since been able to replace him. The wool of the Merino Sheep is fit only for Skilful manufacturers who know how to dress &; prepare it after having tried these sheep for a few years, I have determined to dismiss from my flock all the rams of that description.

     After this preface, permit me to state my request, which is, that you will endeavor to procure for me from Tunis, a pair or two of the above mentioned sheep by the means of some of our Navy officers in the Mediterranean. Any expense in the purchase &; transportation I will pay with many thanks to yourself and those who may kindly interest themselves in this business.

     If on any ground this application is improper, I have only to apologize for an unintentioned error, &; to beg that you will forget that it has been made.

     Should you at any time visit the Potomack, I pray you to keep Mt Vernon in your recollection and to favor it with your company, where it will always afford me sincere pleasure to see you. I am Dear Sir very respectfully yr. mo. ob. Servt.