I have no farther suggestions to make on the matter of your last. The question is with the President & he will make such disposition of it as to him seems meet & proper. If it is supposed that I will enter into active competition with the numerous candidates who have and will continue to spring up for the place, the supposition is founded in a mistake of my character. I confess to you (from whom I conceal nothing) that I am disappointed in the course taken by the President. Had I not been induced by the favourable opinion of friends & a probable overestimate of my own deserts, to expect a speedy decision of the question, I certainly never would have consented to place myself in the position I occupy. If you will excuse me for troubling you further on this subject I will be glad to be informed whether your declension has been definitive & whether Mr Monroe so understands it. I presume you have seen Mr Kings letter to the President. Whatever may be the course or termination of this matter, I hope my dear Sir, you will do me the justice to believe, that I will never for a moment doubt the warmth & constancy of your friendship.