I have no other title, Sir, to implore assistance from you but that which those who are oppressed with injustice may be permitted to claim from humanity. In a stranger even this may be thought presumption. Yet to solicite aleviation of affliction is a privilege accorded to distress. Seven months the iron hand of power has kept me in a prison, deprived me of all that I possessed: the wretchedness of this situation is encreased by the torments of the stone, whilst I am destitute of the smallest means to procure the least aleviation to my misery. Dare I hope that in this state you will humanely grant me some relief.

M. Le Comte de Boisgelin is my persecutor, though at this moment he is indebted to me 1,500 l.t. The humanity of M. Turgot has ineffectually endeavoured to soften the obduracy of this Tyrant. The parliament must then judge between us, but in the mean time I perish for want, literally, not having bread to eat.

I beg your acceptance of the book which accompanies this letter, as a feeble mark of my hommage to your distinguished Character: Having the honour to be with respect, Sir, Your most obedient most humble Servant