you will be surprized at the liberty I take of addressing1 a letter to you, and asking a favour in this manner, indeed I shudder at my impertinence and dispare of obtaining my request, but the hope of being successfull and the impression that you are ever ready to alleviate the misery of humanity urge me to the trial (the favour I beg is money Suffecent to purchase a small share of a Ticket enclosed in a letter) I am aware of the difficulty I labour under in asking a favour in this manner, you do not know who I am, whether I merit your charity or not, you have only my word, and I may be some Idiot or crazy head[ed lu?]nitic, I can say I am the child of adversity and [. . .] [m]any of my few years she has ben my constant companion, I appeal to Heaven as a witness, consider I pray that what I2 beg is but a trifle with you, but to me possebly of the greates moment, it may make me hapy as to Riches, and be no injury to you, I beg pardon for any impertinence and entreat it may not prevent my blessing your “name” as my benefactor and the friend of Humanity