To Thomas Jefferson from William Perry, 19 July 1806
Alexandria July 19th 1806
Honoured sir
I hope you will Excuse the freedom of A stranger in addressing of you when you hear that I am Confined in jail at the suit of Garret Heden for A debt I am unable to pay I hope you will take it into Consideration as I have been in the states service on board of the Brig Syren Captain Stewart and Came home in the Constellation—I am in A distresst situation at preasant being sick and in A strange place Confined and no freinds to assist me Except A poor Widow who washes for me and keeps my Clothes Clean I humbly beg of you to take into Consideration and releive me from this distreesed situation and I shall forever Acknowledge it the greatest Obligation you can Confer on your
Humble Servant
Wm Perry
Please to write and direct your Letter to me to the Care of James Young
MHi: Coolidge Collection.