[marginalia] [undecipherable] New York 24^th May 1789 & Dear Sir I received your favor of the 19^th instant in a haste you [undecipherable] mention your [undecipherable] generally and request my opinion of the [undecipherable] you have [undecipherable] they may have been accomplished [undecipherable] in [undecipherable] it would afford me a pleasure in having the opportunity of rendering you any service were you to point out the object I should presume that your education and reputation entitle you with propriety [strikethrough: undecipherable] regards [strikethrough: undecipherable] to put on your attention, and [strikethrough: undecipherable] to the new government [undecipherable] [strikethrough: undecipherable] such an office, as may correspondently your dispositions and the public good All nominations will be made by the President — a letter to him stating your object and enclosing [annotation, top right] [undecipherable] testimonials of your abilities, & character & [strikethrough: undecipherable] the material to [undecipherable] application — the letter when presented [undecipherable] to you — according to the general rule to [undecipherable] via the President — I conceive of there [undecipherable] the [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [strikethrough: undecipherable] [undecipherable] forms [undecipherable] they [undecipherable] — I do not know [undecipherable] any more [undecipherable] men [undecipherable] on your [undecipherable] — It is worth [undecipherable] to [undecipherable] [undecipherable] that all appointments will [strikethrough: undecipherable] in [undecipherable] the most proper to make in [undecipherable] the most proper improperly [undecipherable] and that the the greatest fidelity of [undecipherable] places will [strikethrough: undecipherable] as they [undecipherable] the character of Office to be filled will I am Dear Sir most [undecipherable] respect[undecipherable] your most obedient [David Barnett?] [undecipherable signature]