Philadelphia 14^th December 1799. Sir, I take the liberty of writing to you on a Subject interesting to me, and request you will be pleased to indulge me with your consideration. The intended removal of your Office from Philadelphia, has occasioned to me some serious thoughts respecting my family concerns, as their present support depends on my employment therein. My family is in many respects so circumstanced, that their removal from hence would be attended with many inconveniences. — I will not trouble you with a detail of them, but will mention one. — I have a Son dependent on me for his maintainence during his apprenticeship; my circumstances will not admit of paying for his board &c seperate from my family — another circumstance respecting him, weighs much with me — he is now at a critical time of life, when principles are imbibed which usually usually regulate the after-conduct — it would be distressing to me, to leave him at such a period to his own government, as in case of my seperation from him, he would be. My situation in life requires the industry of my family, in some degree, to aid me in supporting them — this they have greater opportunities of doing in a populous City. You will perceive Sir, the embarrassments I am under — My wish and inclination is to be in public employment — If I should be so happy as to be favoured with your friendship to continue me in public employment here, under your Department, (as probably there will be such,) or through your influence, in any other, you will in an essential manner contribute to the welfare, and happiness of my family. I have the honour to be, Sir, with great respect, your obedient Servant, William Buston. The Hon^ble James McHenry Esq^r.