Philip Hancock to the American Commissioners
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society
[after September 2, 1778]
Gentlemen,

I beg leave to inform you, that being an Inhabitant of Plymouth Dock, where a great many of the Subjects of the United States are imprison’d, and being convinc’d of the Rectitude of the American Cause, and compassionating the Sufferings of those in Confinement, I was willing to contribute my Mite to their Relief, and to assist them in escaping to serve that just Cause, which I did according to my Ability at first, but was thereby gradually brought on to do more than I could afford, of which I give you herewith a sketch from Memory, having when I set out from home no Intention of asking the Favour of anything in Return. My Purpose was, at the Request of some Friends to the Cause, to make a short Trip to Paris, to concert with you some Method of assisting the Prisoners, (as we durst not write upon the Subject,) and of providing for the Expence which was become too heavy to be continued by private Persons. I am ready to give your Honours all the Information I can respecting the Matter; and I offer my Service to execute any Orders you may think fit to give me, in behalf of the Prisoners. But having the Misfortune to be accompanied into Holland by an ungrateful Villain, whom I had reliev’d, and who after plundering me left me sick there, I have not wherewith left to pay my Expences back without your kind Assistance. Be pleased, Gentlemen, to consider this, from Your most obedient humble Servant

To the honourable the Commissioners of the United States of America.
Notation in Franklin’s hand: Draft of Memoire for Mr. Hancock
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