Surveyors Department May 8. 1800. Sir The expressions of esteem and regard, together with the honorable Testimony as to my Character, communicated to you by the President of the United States, are abundantly gratifying to my feelings; and I request you to communicate to him my complaisant and ready acquiescence so far as Sentiments of satisfaction may be so called, with the arrangement proposed. I shall continue the duties of the office provisionally, as long as the Interest of the Service may require it; and shall never fail to testify on all occasions the grateful Sense I entertain of your unremitted and friendly efforts to serve me, which cannot to my mind, by their want of Success, cause any diminution of my Obligations — I perceive that I have expressed myself ill in the paper I put into your hands. for it has been mis understood by the President. By the words "engaged in Business" I meant merely to express my acquiescence in your proposal to do the Business of a [undecipherable: Assistant] Purveyor, in case it could be so arranged; But the suspension of the whole arrangement, took place before any Business was done. I have the honour to be with great esteem & respect Sir Your obliged & obedient Servant Jon Williams The Honorable James McHenry Secretary of War &c &c [Docket: Surveyors Department / May 8. 1800 / Jon a. Williams / Is highly gratified by the Expressions of regard used by the President and for the friendly disposition of the Secretary Will continue to do the duties of the Office provisionally as long as the Interest of the Service requires it / rec^d 9 May]