The Petition of James Moffett of the City of Philadelphia Carriage Painter,—

Humbly Sheweth,

That being much intoxicated with drinking strong Liquor your petitioner lately enlisted in the United States service in Captain Biddle’s Company of light Dragoons; that he has a Wife and four small Children to support,—whose sole dependance is on his labour, and that should your petitioner be retained in the Service they must inevitably fall on the Public for their maintenance. Your petitioner therefore most humbly prays that your Excellency will be pleased to take his case into consideration and discharge him from his enlistment; your petitioner promising to return the bounty he has received, And as in duty bound will ever pray.