I have lately recd a letter from Mr Wm Garrard Junr dated at Opelousas in Louisiana, in which he expresses a wish to obtain an appointment to a second Lieutenancy in the Marine Corps of the U.S. and requests the benefit of any influence which I may have in furthering his wishes. He desires particularly that I would write to you on the subject. This is an awkward undertaking as the young gentleman is a total Stranger to me. But as a relation of Mrs Washington, I may, without impropriety, express our wishes for the Success of his application, in case the Government Should be Satisfied with his fitness for the office he requests. I am Dr Sir Very respectfully Yr Mo. ob. Servt