[Hon: Tim: Pickering Esq^r / Philadelphia] [postal mark] [F 12½] [Vol 13 No 51] Boston May 3. 1795 Dear Sir Since I wrote to you have been with M^r Davis, Several times, from the conversation I had with him I find, he is doubtful if his health is sufficiently good to undertake a place that would require more application than the office he now fills— M^r Goodhue had mention'd to him before that an appointment would probably be made from this part of the country and I find had given him the idea that he had been tho't of— M: D: has enquired of M^r Cabot— respecting the duties of the office M: C has it seems Some expectation to hear from the Secretary of the Treasury in answer to something he has written it may relate to the information M: D: wishes— tho then M:D: will not consent to be considered as a candidate— I am very sorry to be obliged to write so indecisively— altho I should be very much please'd have M: D: appointed. yet I hope it will not take place, unless it is fully ascertained that he will accept the place— M: D: is a good man of a fair character, plain in his mannners, just notions of government, his family are I think of the right sort— sensible as I am of the undisguised conversation of M:D: I can but be willing that he should delay deciding positively if any other appointment takes place. he will not feel less respectful toward the Executive in consequence of any thing that has past— I am D: Sir with esteem your h^ble servant Theo Lyman