Relies on their continued friendship to ask for Knox's advice. Recalls his duties in the war, and his attempt to be faithful and enthusiastic. Is now interested in seeking an appointment with the new government, and asks if Knox will recommend him to the President, with whom he is intimate. Declares that if you knew me formerly, and thought I merited the public confidence, be assured you still know the same man, who will give you no cause to repent of your confidence in future. Would most like a position in Virginia, specifically the role of head of customs at the Port of Norfolk. Also asks Knox to discuss with a Mr. Burral [possibly Jonathan Burrall] some of his financial accounts.

Wrote Knox recently and thought he might be able to visit the metropolis, but now believes he must decline the trip. Would prefer not to leave while his arrangements are still so tentative, and asks that Knox provide him with useful information as he sees fit. (Carrington may be referring to his prospects of receiving an appointment with the new government; see GLC02437.04167.).

Writes from Powhatan via Richmond, most likely in Virginia. Writes that he has, in fact, decided not to travel to New York City in pursuit of a government appointment. Adds, I did expect that many would collect there in quest of appointments, and that it would draw on them remarks which would tend rather to injure than promote their wishes - I now learn that this is in fact the case - I would not be ranked amongst them for the world. Believes that the President will not make appointments based on absence or presence but instead based on character. Sends his respects to Mrs. Knox. Free handwritten on address leaf with no signature.

Opens by thanking Knox for his role in obtaining Carrington a presidential appointment [as marshal of Virginia]. He then discusses the French revolution, writing that [t]he Revolution in France is as singular as it is important to the cause of Liberty. It is perhaps the first instance in the History of Nations of a King & his people uniting to extend the Rights of the latter in abridging the power and privileges of the Nobles. The Common tendency of Revolutions founded in a [sense] amongst the people of oppression from the Nobility has ever been to an implicit surrender of every thing unto the hands of the Sovereign to say nothing of ancient Precedents, the modern, nay recent, Revolution in Denmark & Sweden terminated thus: there is in France a spirit never before known in the old world; my pride suggests that it was imbibed from America, and I am compleatly [sic] gratified in being that a Son of America did in the extremity of confusion, 'Mount the Whirlwind & direct the Storm.' Sends greetings to Mrs. Knox and mutual friends. Stamped Richmond. Free stamped on address leaf with no signature.

Has received his last two letters, but did not write back because he hoped to see Carrington in person. Was also waiting for some government issues to be resolved so he could properly answer Carrington's queries. Has learned Carrington did not yet write the President about obtaining a position in the government, and encourages him strongly to do so, providing advice on what information to include. Mentions that he has recommended him to the President. Adds that he thinks Carrington was smart to not come to New York and try to solicit a job in person.

Thanks him for his recent letter. Writes, Your suggestion as to the advantages to be derived from a personal attendance at the metropolis, is constantly found in the experience of Mankind & I am satisfied that such a step would give me a better appearance of success than I can otherwise have, but [were] this situation were it to continue for any length of time, would be painful to me, and no judgment can be [favored] when the arrangements of the Government will bring forward its permanent appointments. Is presently engaged in public business, but will travel to New York in early summer if he finishes the business by then. Writes, I shall adopt your advice in making a communication of my wishes to the President as soon as I am informed that he has accepted his appointment. This is a step that I should feel much difficulty in taking, but for the consideration that it will be perhaps, the only proper mode of tendency over services to the public. Adds a postscript regarding a new appointment that was made prior to his announcing his attention to seek a position.

Unsigned, but authorship inferred from handwriting. Discusses Carrington's last letter, in which he reported the winners of the Virginia elections and described his prediction that the electorate would change their sentiments to support federalism (see GLC02437.04119). Comments on the New York legislature, specifically the Senate and individual members. Also lists the number of Senators and Representatives from each state present in New York. Lastly, discusses Carrington's query about an appointment with the new government (see GLC02437.04119). Docketed by Knox.