a destrest person takes this opportunity to write to You, pleading an excuse, for so doing. I have serv’d the United State to the best of my abilityes in procureing the Condemnation of the Ship Niac which has ben imploy’d in the Slave traid & by which a considerable sum accrues to the United States and not being intitled by existing Laws to any compensation for my exurtions I have by advice of several respectable Gentlemen deturmind to present a memorial to Congress praying that som part of the proceeds <of> arising from the sail of said Ship may be granted me. This Hond. Sir is to beg Your intrest with the hous in my behalf. I must think my request to be reasonable and make no doubt, that upon consideration of the subject You will feel the Justice of granting it & will lind me your exurtions in the affair. If Sir You shall see fit to grant this request You will do an essential service to a friend of humanity & of the Laws of the United States.

I am with the highest respect / Your obediant Servant—