Geo Town 28 May 1798 D Sir Unqualified as I really think myself, i have after a thousand struggles, accepted my honorable & at this crisis, important appointment. Who that has the feelings of an American, could refuse to try at least, to serve his Country at such a time? I put this early, my claim on your Friendship for all the assistance I shall need - & it will be a great deal.
I mean to set out for Phila as early as possible. I hope a weeks delay will not be though long - & I hope I shall not find it necessary to bestow more than a week on my private affairs. I go at first without my Family - who are to follow - or to wait til the fall as I shall determine after [seating?] at Phila. You did not write me a word about your wishes as to my acceptance - or refusal - make up for the deficiency by writing me on the rect of this - if possible, flatter me into a belief that may be able to avoid meritted reproach - One letter, may reach me, before I learn this.
I am D Sir with great esteem, Yr [servant] Ben Stoddert