Messrs Henry Pawling and Greenberry Dawson, one of whom will have the honour of presenting this to the hand of your Excellency, are projecting a Voyage from the Ohio Settlements with the Produce of that Country to be sold at New Orleans. I know not how far the Laws existing there admit of such Commerce; But if it is allowable, I would then beg Leave to request that your Excelly. would be so good as to give them your Counsels with a Line of Protection. And as they are here esteemed Persons of honest Principles, who have good Characters, I am persuaded they will not forfeit them, and show themselves unworthy of your Excellency’s Favour, by any contraband or illegal Practices. With great and sincere Esteem and Respect, I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant