| Sir | Philadelphia 19th December 1796. (City Tavern) |
My Discription Of the Dutch Ambassy to the Emperor of China Two years ago, being Translated in the french Language, is now in the press, and I Hope to See the first Volume Ready for Delivery in Abouth Two Months. I dare to proclaim it Will be Very Interesting for the Publicq here as Well as in Europe, Containing a Variety Of Eclaircisments About an Empire to little known to Other Nations.
It is my Intention to Dedicate this Work to Your Excellency as a Proof Of my Great and Sincere Veneration for Your Dear Person and Merits. I therefore Request by these Lines Your Estemed Acquiescion And permission to Execute this Publicq Offer to Your Excellency.
A Condiscension to my humble prayer Will, no doubt, Serve greatly to Illustrate my Labours. I Hope therefore that Your Excellency Will Excuse the Liberty Of my proposal, And favor me With His kind Acceptance.
In mean Time I assure Your Excellency Of my highest Respect And Remain Sir Your most hble & Obedt Servant
A: E: v: Braam Houckqeest
[]DLC: Papers of George Washington.
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