My Dear Sir,

I beg leave to make known to you my nephew, Mr Sam J Hays who will hand you this.

Mr. Hays has just mentioned to me the he has formed an attacthment to the Miss Middleton of whom you are the guardian. Upon which information I have stated to him the propriety of aquainting you with his intentions, and of waiting upon you for this purpose. This he will do in a proper manner, I hope.

I can assure you that Mr. Hays is a young man of unblemished character, and good morals; and that his family is resepctable. His father had once a fortune, but like many others he died insolvent. His mother, one of the most aimiable of her sex, has by her industry and prudent managment, obtained an independence, and lives comfortably on a farm in West Tennessee which she owns. So that you will percieve her son is not a man of fortune, being dependent upon his profession as a lawyer, and the share he will have in his mothers estate. I have taken some pains with his education in aid of his aimiable mother, and trust that it will secure success in his profession.

To you sir, the gaurdian of the young lady, this explanation was due that she might marry Mr. Hays for his merits, and not for his fortune. I admit, tho, my nephew's candor has made this known to her.

accept the apeearence of my great respect and esteem. Signed, Andrew Jackson