As I have observed by the public Prints this Day, that there is an Intention that the Commissioners of the united States of America in Paris, do appoint Agents in several of the Ports of this Kingdom, to correspond and regulate such Matters as may be necessary between the two Countries.
I take the Liberty of making an Offer of my Services to undertake to transact what may be necessary in this Respect within a certain District, from flattering myself it would be in my Power to transact this Business with no less Degree of Credit to myself than Satisfaction to my Patrons.
From having been in a considerable Way of Business for many Years in England in the mercantile Line, both in importing a Number of various Kinds of Articles from France, Spain, Italy &c as well as dealing often very considerably in many of the staple Articles imported from America before the late unhappy War; which I purchasd from my worthy Friend the late George Hayley Esqr.—Lorne Son Fraser &c—I have formed such a Knowledge of Trade and Commerce between the various Countries of Europe and America as well as of the World in general that would I trust render my Services acceptable.
Perhaps, having sufferd considerably in my Property by the unhappy Dispute between Brittan and America; and having been a very warm of the coercive Measures that were carried on by a corrupt and wicked Administration against our Brethren beyond the Atlantic—The having went up repeatedly to the Foot of the Throne, (so early as with the truly great Mr. Beckford I stood behind when he spoke to the King in so many a Manner) and went several Times after to petition and remonstrate in thier Behalf. Besides having wrote several Letters and Essays in the public Prints to plead the Cause of America &c—And also in Support of the Principles of the noble Duke of Richmond Marquiss of Rockingham and other worthy Advocates of this oppressd Part of the Brittish Empire—Perhaps these Acts I say, may give me some Preference in your Estimation.
I have resided in this Country since I came hither last above two Years, and from my having often attended the House of Commons, and being introduced into the most respectable Company as well as mixing much with Persons in Business I have a tolerable Knowledge of the State of Things in this Kingdom, as well as in England &c.
I could wish to be deputed (if I should have the Honor to be engaged) for this Port or that of Waterford or for both and the Sea Ports between both which I would undertake if desird.
As I am of an active Turn of Mind and have the Happiness of a good Constitution I trust I should be able to do this and have it in my Power to call occasionally to view a Mining Concern we are prosecuting upon the Estate of a noble Peer of this Realm we expect will turn out very valuable. From this Nobleman and from a near Relation of the Earl of Shelburne I can receive such a Recommendation that I trust will prove satisfactory. It may be also in my Power to convey some Discoveries we have made in Mines in this Country which may prove of Use to the good People of America to be acquainted with. For them I retain I confess a glowing Warmth of Regard; and for Doctor Franklin in particular whose name is held in so great Estimation in this Country and to whom though unknown at present I have the Honor to subscribe myself with perfect Consideration and Esteem very truly and respectfully, his most obedient humble servant