Induced from a thorough conviction of the Justice of the great cause the Americans are engaged in, to Wish that my small services might be received, I take the liberty of making an Application to you to entreat (as I understand you are in this Kingdom in a Publick Capacity) your Countenance in Accepting any personal services an Individual can render by entering into the service of a brave people fighting for their liberties.

As a Private Man I have laboured under a Variety of Oppressions from those Connections whose Duty it was to have encouraged and supported me. As a Member of the Corporation of London I have constantly Voted for those Men whose steady Opposition to a Profligate and Corrupt Court, will hand down their Names in Conjunction with the Patriots of the last Age to immortality. My Poor Voice has also constantly supported the Measures they have Proposed.

The American War has occasioned the loss of the greatest part of my fortune, Domestick troubles has bereft me of the remainder. My Person is therefore all that I have to offer, which I will devote if worthy your Notice to the service of America in any shape you may approve of, that is consistant with the Character of a Gentleman.

Allied by Blood to America she is welcome to that Blood in defence of her Liberties whenever she will call upon me, and I hope as a descendant from the great Admiral Benhow I shall ever Prove myself Worthy of such an Ancestor. Permit me furthere to add that the family of the Newtons in Virginia (and I believe they are a very respectable family) are nearly related to me.

If Sir You will honour me with a Commission in the services of the free and Independent States of America and will favor me with your instructions how to Act You shall find in me Fidelity and Integrity, Assiduity and Industry. I have only one Attachment to take up a Moment of my thoughts that is a Young Daughter dearer to me than life. If she cannot accompany me...her I will leave as a Hostage of my Truth.

I am with all due respect for a Character so truly Illustrious for its Patriotic services in behalf of its Oppressed Country Sir Your most Obedient and most devoted hble Servant