Having the Mortification to hold the Commission of a Captain in the Army of the United States, without the Power of Rendering any Services to my Country where I am now posted; I have obtained Brigadier General Irvines Permission to wait on your Excellency to solicit your Commands to Serve where you think I may be Useful. Your Excellencys Knowledge of me and Inclination to promote my Interest, induces me to request the Honor of serving under your Eye, where I may have the Opportunity to recommend my self to your Confidence & Esteem—Being destitute of Money and Cloaths, I pray your Excellencys Warrant for the Pay and Cloathing due to me. I have the Honor to be with most perfect Devotion to your Commands, Your Excellencys most Obt Humle Servant