The Bearer Mr. Jonathan Williams has been long well known to me as a Merchant of good Character, he being established in France while I resided there, and was very serviceable to the United States in their mercantile Affairs, which he transacted with great Ability and Integrity. He is come hither to recover a considerable Debt, has been long detain’d here, as he says, by dilatory Proceedings in the Law, of his Debtor, and likely to be much longer detain’d to his great Damage if a Special Court is not granted to him. I know you will do what is right, and therefore do not presume to solicit any Favour for him, except that of enquiring into the Circumstances of those Delays, and affording him as a Stranger such Means of Dispatch as may be consistent with Justice and the Practice of your Courts. With great and sincere Respect and Esteem I am, Sir, Your most obedient Servant