Dear Sir Mantua 6^th January 1798 I am desirous of obtaining employment in one of the Public Offices, and from your present situation & former knowledge of me, I take the liberty of making my wishes known to you. — Should you stand in need of assistance, I hope it will not be presuming too much to solicit a preference. — The present state of my health will not admit of a more labourious employment, tho' it is fully equal to what I propose, and should I obtain a situation in any of the Offices, I think I may therefore, with propriety, on my part, promise, that it will be permanent, provided the compensation is ade-quate. — I am aware of the restrictions that the public Officers are subject to, on this head, and should only expect such salary as my attention & abilities might be judged to merit. Please to favor me with a few lines in answer to this at your leisure, thro' the chan-=nel of the Post Office, and you will oblige Dear Sir, Y^r Ob^t Humb. Serv^t John Crosby [William Simmons Esq^r] [Endorsed: Mantua 6 January 1798, Crosby]