Dear Sir,

I thank you for giving me the perusal of the enclosed, The sentimts. do honor to the head and heart of the writer, and if my wishes would be of any avail they should go to you in a strong hope that you will not withhold merited promotion for Mr. John Adams** because he is your Son. For without intending to compliment the father or the mother, or to censure any others, I give it as my decided opinion that Mr. Adams is the most valuable public character we have abroad, and that he will prove himself to be the ablest of all our Diplomatic Corps.

If he was now to be brought into that line, or into any other public walk, I could not, upon the principle which has regulated my own conduct, disapprove the caution which is hinted at in the letter. But he is already entered; the public more and more, as he is known, are appreciating his talents and worth; and his country would sustain a loss if these are checked by over delicacy on your part. With sincere esteem and affectionate regard I am ever Yours,

G:^o Washington