Answer to the letter of Mr. Secretary Ryland, proposing the mission, &c.
Montreal, Jan. 31, 1809.
Sir: I have to acknowledge the favor of your letter of the 26th instant, written by the desire of his Excellency, the Governor-in-Chief, and hasten to express, through you, to his Excellency, my readiness to comply with his wishes.
I need not add how very flattering it is to receive from His Excellency the assurance of the approbation of His Majesty's Secretary of State, for the very humble services that I may have rendered.
If the nature of the service in which I am to be engaged will require no other disbursements than for my individual expenses, I do not apprehend that these can exceed my private resources.
I shall be ready to take my departure before my instructions can be made out.
I have the honor to be your most obedient servant,
J. H.
H. W. Ryland, Esq., Secretary, &c.