As they were so kind as to previously give certificates for safe passage of American ships to Spanish ports, he is emboldened to ask another request of the same nature. Requests permission for the vessel Jefferson, captained by Josiah Roberts, to stop at Spanish ports en route to the northwest coast of America (see GLC02437.05192). Asks for permission only if it is consistent with their duties.

In reply to Knox's letter of that morning (see GLC02437.05193), De Jaudenes y Nebot and Josef Ignacio de Viar have enclosed the certificates on the same terms as he mentioned (certificates not included). They are happy to offer any service that is consistent with their public duty and private capacity. As the request complied with both, they fulfilled it willingly. Postscript says there was a blank spot on the certificate for the name of the vessel. This is in reference to a request from Moses Michael Hays for safe passage for the ship Jefferson (see GLC02437.05194). Docket marked Private.

Informs Jefferson that General Stewart declines accepting the appointment of Inspector for the port of Philadelphia and would have done the same with the naval office had it been offered to him. He says that he made the application at the influnce [sic] of his father-in Law, who is now convinced that the acceptance of the office would injure his commercial pursuits. Goes on to say that he enclosed a letter from the Governor of Maryland concerning the capture of the brigs Cunningham and Pilgrim. Watermarked J Watt & C Patent Copying/Sold By J Woodmason/London. Letterpress copy.

Initialed by Knox. References Hays's letter of 4 October (GLC02437.05184). Encloses certificates of safe travel for the ship Jefferson, to be captained by Josiah Roberts (not included here).

Wishes Secretary of War Knox the Compliments of the season and regrets that his poor health prevented him from seeing Knox. Free stamped on address leaf with no signature.

Relaying President Washington's instructions regarding a seized Spanish vessel.

Writes a letter of introduction for a Captain [Collineun?] of the French navy, who has some business at the Havannah, referring to the port in Havana, Cuba.