Having formerly had the Honor of Your Acquaintance, chiefly through means of my intimacy with our Worthy Friend Colol F. Lewis & his Family, I am encouraged to use the freedom of this Address.

Allow me to inform your Excellency that I have been publickly declared Bankrupt, and imprisoned; for the heinious Crime of having a very decent fortune lockt up from me, (for a time) by means of a National Contest.

Tho this inhumane Conduct, was the Act of a Single Man; yet it has produced in me, Such feelings as most Affectionate Parents (with a Numerous young Offspring) wou’d be Susceptable of; But these I think wou’d soon be Wore off, by my again Returning to Virginia, & with my family.

Six boys, & three girls, may perhaps be, in time, an Aquisition to the State; & I need Scarsely inform Your Excellcy that we cou’d live more Comfortably on a Small fortune, & employ it to more advantage in Virginia, than on this Island.

For these reason I beg leave to Sollicit, that you may Honor;& comfort me, by Saying, You will contenance Us.

That my intention of Emigrating to Virga, is no New Idea I have in my possession many letters to prove; as far back as the year 1773. from under the hand of my unfortunate Friend Colo. Geo. Mercer, & my Correspondence to my good Friend Charles Yates of Fredsburg will Corroberate that truth.

At that period, I was Under terms, & had long lodged £1000 Slng in London, for the purchase of a Lott of Land on the Ohio, but Circumstances Since prevented its taking place.

I have great Reason to make many Appollogies for troubling Your Excellency with so long a letter; But these wou’d only Add to its length. Your Generous Heart will point out excuses for me. I have the Honor to be with most Sincere Respect, & Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedient & very Hble Servant