Mr. Williams favours me with an opportunity of addressing a few lines to you upon a subject very interesting to me— I have an only son, by name Thomas, who is now a prisoner in Portsmouth gaol, & has been so for several months.

My request to you is, for your Influence to get him exchanged, if possible, & put into such public service as he is capable of; He has served his country in capacity of Capt. in a train of Artilery to good acceptance & I dare pronounce him capable of a higer station. Should he be released, and could return home in some public Vessel, so as to save him the expence of a passage (if he cannot be employ’d) it will be receiv’d as a favour.— Perhaps you may not recollect me, my son is a Nephew of the hon. Robt. T. Paine Esqr. with whome you are acquainted.— I need make no appology for troubling you with this epistle, because, I am well assured, that it always gives you pleasure to have an opportunity to do good.

I am Sr. your most obd. huml. Servt.