Sir

Mr Smith has delivered me your letter of the 14th instant, informing me of the sevl Actions brought agt you.

Doubt not but your conduct will on this & every other occasion be approved by the Crown; & it will give [me] the utmost pleasure, whenever honoured with your [?]lication & confidence, to become instrumental in justifying it to the Publick.

The maxim of the Law that mentions, "The King can do no wrong" does by necessary consequence exempt him from suits; these can only be brought against his servants. Till the Crown therefore, from a knowledge & approbation of the Proceedings of its Offices, makes their Causes its own; they remain personal & must be personally conducted. ー You may command, Sir, my best services to the extent of my professional department, I mean as Counsel; but as I never act as Attorney, it will be necessary for you to employ one. The just distrust of my own Competency in matters of such arduous concern makes me solicit you also to associate a gentleman of the Bar with me. I am, Sir [&c.]