October 23, 1850 Philadelphia letter to William D. Lewis, Esq

October 23, 1850 Philadelphia letter to William D. Lewis, Esq. (Collector of the Customs House) by John Birnes (?), a man seeking employment as an oath giver to fugitive slaves. He explains that he knows the laws of fugitive slaves and can perform the customs house duties. The return letter is written on the same paper. There is a Bloods Despatch one cent stamp on the upper left. It is written in pen, back folded to an envelope / cover. Measures 15 1/2 by 9 3/4 inches. It is in excellent condition.