I am now at the seat of Government, ready to enter on the high duties that my country has so flatteringly assigned me. My first and strong desire, is to have associated with me in the discharge of my responsible trust, men, in whom, under all exigencies, I can repose in. I have thought of you; and trusting in your intelligence & sound Judgment, my desire is that you shall take charge of the Department of State. Do me the favor to say, if you will undertake it? Were you here, I should defer any enquir[y] on the subject, untill the end of this month [. . .] but being at a distance my solicitude is to k[now] forthwith, if I may calculate on your aid.

If consistant with your feelings; it would afford me great pleasure to have you here early as possible, that I may consult with you on many & various things purtaining to the general interest of the countr[y] [. . .]

As early as possible I shall be glad to [. . .] you, & to know your determinati[on] [. . .] leisure permits, to know your opi[. . .] ^time^ when you can be at the city of Washi[ngton] [. . .]