May it please your Excellency.
Sir:

It was only by Report that I understood the General Assembly of this State had at their last meeting appointed me Treasurer of the District of Hillsborough, until I was honored with your Excellency's favor of the 13th Current. I entertain the highest sense of that honorable appointment, but as my own private affairs, with business of considerable importance, which I have undertaken to transact for sundry Gentlemen, will require all my attention, I am sorry to inform your Excellency it will not be in my power to do my duty to the public, and therefore am under the necessity of declining the appointment.