pardon me for Writing a few lines To a gentleman of yr. repute and high Estimation But immergentcy compels me to inform you of my misfortune in this place—having no friend and an entire Stranger makes me address you Sir, With a few lines Which I hope will be Sanctiond. I am Sir a True Born American Always would loose the last drop of blood in behalf of my Country at any time When called Upon. On the 20 of Jany. Theare Was an acquasation brought Against me So Strange and absurd in Every Sence of the Word that Sir it Would put Almost any One to clear Themselves of the charge. I happen’d With 2 young men in one of those houses of Low Dame and thear was a Equality play Exhibited. I happnd to be Successful and Won, a Cruel Baudity. One Said they lost a Small Pocket Book with 50 dollrs. and the money must be Theares—No one Saw me take any thing I was Search’d nothing found with me belonging to them. Neither in my trunk nor no Wheare. I always Fought hard for What I Got, and Gentleman of Rank was fond of my company my father and mother are both dead and I have a recommendation Throughout the Globe. I Serv’d my time With Valentine Reintzel Sadler Geo. Town. Touring the city my constituton no way impared. I will Enter On Board the Chesapeakes any Vessel of the navy. [receivg] Your order Sir is Sufficient, and I am at Your command. Signd a

True Republican and Destress’d Young Fellow in a Strange place