in favor of the course which I

had suggested, and was pursuing,

I regard as the most distinguished

Compliment, which it has been my

fortune in life to recieve [sic]. And Sir

it is more gratifying to me than

the Brevet of Captain would have

been to me when an Ensign; and is

certainly a greater evidence of merit

on my part!

I have the honor

to be with Great

Consideration

Your obt Sert

S