William Wenman Seward to John Adams

Haveing perused the ordinance of the United states dated 20th. May last, concerning the disposal of lands in the Western Territory; and finding that [thorn: ye] money arising from the sale thereof is to be applied to the discharge of the Debt incurr’d by that Country dureing the late War: I feel the strongest desire of contributing my mite, toward the benefit of a People, who deserve so much from every friend to the common rights of mankind.

Unconnected however with any person there, thro’ whom I could receive the necessary intelligence, I hope you will excuse the freedom of this application, by which I would request being informed, if a purchase of pa[rt] of the Lands might be compleated, & how—without the immediate presence of the Purchaser.

I think I might relie on the integrity of any Agent or Agents appointed by the States, or thro’ your recommendation, with respect to that business: and wish only to know the most proper & easy mode of conducting it.

Tho’ any service which thro’ this means I could render to America might possibly be small, when compared to that of others; yet certain I am, she can never receive from an individual more warmly attach’d to her Interests.—Nor do I doubt there will he found many of my fellow Countrymen (of Ireland)—who tir’d with oppressions wch. dayly accumulate, will at last seek an Assylum amongst the sons of Freedom; and be no longer deluded with that species of Liberty, whose existence is only in Name.

Accept of every Apology wch can be made for the freedom I have taken;—I trust my public charracter (if known to you) will satisfie you as to the sincerity of my intentions:—and believe me to be wth. greatest respect—/ Sr. / Yr. most Obedt. / very humb. Servt.