I am a foreigner and lately from Ireland and on my way to Washington City. In order to know if I can get a Patent for a certain invention to prevent the Wreck or loss of Vessels at Sea, in consequence of Sickness I am got out of money, knowing from your general, character that your wish is to support any thing of utility embolden’d me to make application to you, for a little assistance to defray my travelling expences which would be confidently returned.

For fear you would think it was impossible—It can be done by Corkwood. I am present waiting for an answer,