A circumstance of great Consequence to the happiness of a friend induces me to take the liberty of making this application to you, which I do by letter because it will give a memorandum of the case and better opportunity to reflect on the proper mode of proceeding.

In the year 1776 Mis Lydia Frazier of Boston went to England under the care of her Sister Mrs. Mary Barron, who had married an officer in the British Army. Miss Frazier was then a child of about seven years old. Capt. Barron after the peace went to reside at Auch in Gascony, whither he took Miss Frazier with him. He sent the young lady as a day Scholar to the Convent of the Chemin droit of the order of St. Ursula. The captivating appearances displayed in their religion, and the persuasions of the Nuns have had such an effect on the young lady’s mind that they induced her to commit herself to the convent to the great distress of her friends. As she is a native American, under age, it is thought an application through our Minister and the gentlemen of the french court here will be successful to obtain her. Knowing the Sense of your Character, entertained at the Court of France and considering you as the first Magistrate of our State I have advised my partner, who is the brother of the lady and a Citizen office-holder of Pennsylvania, to endeavour to move under your patronage and advice. From reason of delicacy both public and private it is wished that on this side of the Atlantic the information may be confined to yourself and such gentlemen of the french Court as you may find it necessary to communicate with. We shall converse with M. de Marbois of whose friendly dispositions we are very certain. Mr. Frazier proposes, after a little time for turning the subject in your Mind has elapsed, to wait upon your Excellency. I have the honor to be, Sir your most respectful humble Servant