Petersbourg Oct r 3 d O.S. 1780.

I have written a letter by this post to my father, in consequence of my having received one by the last post from my friend M r Barstow a capital merchant of Dantzic informing me of the place of Resident or rather Companythere being vacant on the death of the late one Ld Trevor Cary whom I believe Lind knew also, and putting it into my head to ask for this place myself. The advantages of such a place are so small that he seemed to conceive an idea perhaps justly that especially at this time no attention would scarcely be given to fill it up. Think me not mad but read the letter I have written about it early and then consider what the harm can be in asking immediately if such a place is filled. if so there's an end of it and I have only had the trouble of writing about it. If it is not filled, then .... what then? Why then my father might go to his friend Mr Sneyd or Mr Frazer and shew them my letter. You might ask him to go to L d Stormont yet . In short hold a council with Wilson or if he be in town or Douglas and do that which in your wisdom you may think best. My letter may be shewn which will serve to explain the matter and state my pretensions. If interest has been made for any body else, you will be told the place is engaged and there again is an end of it, but there will be no harm done but your trouble. If it is not engaged perhaps to save the saying no. I may get it. Thus I am in a way of pursuing my projects & studies without the fear of starving before my eyes, not that that fear indeed is very terrible at present. However I am sure you dont want arguments to persuade you of the desirability of such a place. I should then lay close siege to Miss Huzarjewski on whose account I actually hurried away from Dantzic, for fear of being in love with her.