Some time after my return home from the unfortunate loss of the Revenue Cutter Diligence attached to this Port but lying at Occracock with the Surveyors of the Coast where at I lost all my Instruments and Cloaths, except what I had on my back. I was informed by Timothy Bludworth Esqr. Collector of this port that I was discharged from the Service until another Cutter was built. I have since applied to him for my traveling expences in returning from Occracock to this port & was told by him he could not pay without Special Order—I have acted in the capacity of first mate in the Revenue Cutter of this place ever since March 1797 under the authority of a Commission signed by John Adams President of the United States at that time, and have constantly done my duty in the Service and have moreover continued since the loss of my Commission to examine Vessels comeing here from a foreign port. Haveing therefore by the unfortunate loss of the said Cutter in Occracock Road, lost all my clothes nautical Instruments and what money I had in my Chest

Permit me Sir Respectfully to solicit your consideration of my case and in your wisdom to grant I may yet continue to receive that support from the service my station requires.

While in the mean time I crave your pardon for the present application and remain as in Duty bound with great respect

Sir your most obt. Hble. Servt