I wrote to the Secretary of State some time ago and mentioned that Mr William Duval of this city had been induced to resign his office of commissioner of bankruptcy just previous to the elections for the Assembly for which he was a candidate at the solicitation of the republicans here1 & to which he was ineligible from his holding a commission under the general Government, and that it would be convenient to Mr Duval & acceptable to the Republicans here if the administration should see no impropriety in his reappointment.

I believe Mr Duval discharged the duties of the office with great fidelity and to the satisfaction of those concerned. & I could wish to see him in the same situation. If the administration should feel any difficulty as to the reappointment of Major Duval from the peculiar circumstances of the case, I would beg leave to mention that I believe Peyton Randolph would accept the appointment. I believe he is known to you Sir & that he is every way both from ability & discretion qualified for the proper discharge of the duties of the office. But I would by no means wish the latter gentleman to be thought of unless the administration should feel any difficulty in the reappointment of Major Duvall which would be agreable to us here because it is convenient to him & he is qualified for the office. I hope you will excuse the liberty I have taken on this subject and believe me with every consideration of sincere regard & friendship