I have until about a month past maintained thro’ life an easy independance Altho’ I have never been in affluent circumstances yet I have been so fortunate, as to enjoy the comforts of Life without those cares that proceed from penury and want until now. But Sir I am so much reduced at present that to support my self and family I have been under the necessity to hire myself by the day, and am actually employed now as a masons tender This Sir, is hard laborious service and galling to my feelings—Among strangers and without resources to bear me up I am constrained to solicit you for a small pecuniary assistance to relieve my present necessities and to enable me to start at something more agreeable to my inclination and habits—I am living in Dayton a post Town in the State of Ohio where Mad river falls into the Great Miami—My family are enjoying health in the highest degree My son called for you is a fine thriving boy and possesses an excellent genius.

I am sorry to ask the assistance of any friend; but believing your friendship will not be diminished on account of my present circumstances I have thus fairly stated my situation, from which if you condescend to extricate me I shall gratefully acknowledge while I have an existance

With sincere esteem I am, respectfully your Obedient servant