Excuse the Intrushion of a Distressd Widow that has presumed to adress you as a friend to the Country and a Genttleman of Humanity and Benevolence. My Husband Enterd into the Service of the United States October 1775 and Continued in the fleet under Comodore Hopkins Defending there Rights untill some time in Twenty Seven or Eight, then he Lost his Life. There is Due to him near five hundred Lawfull. I have waited on governer Hancock. He sent me to his Honnor the Leut Governer, and as it was out of this state they could do nothing (they said). Is not my loss truly Distressing, my friend to fale in Defending there Cause I Suffering for want of the Comforts of Life. Forbid it suffice that a widow that Lost her Husband should have Reason to say it. But I have I have waited on your sister she will Let you know that I am not one that would write an untruth to a Gentel man of your know justice. Surely they have a List Transmited to them of the killed in Every Engagement the Honourable Continental Congress. I have waited with Patience in hopes that Honourable body of gentelman would do something for the widows of them that fell in the Contest. I am much Suprised that they have not. Was it in good Circumstances, I would not trouble a Genteleman of your Exalted Station with my Trouble, but I want the Necessarys of Life, and am greatly Distressed. I Cast my self on your Protection Convinced that your Humain Breast, will Simpithize with them that suffer. As the fleet was not in this state I can get no Redress here. He was in Mr Hopkins fleet. His name was Philip Gaudin. I Lost my Letter when I movd into Boston in 76. The Honourable body of Gentellman will find his Name in the Returns that was made them. If the Comandirs of the Different Vesells did there Duty, he was in the fleet. I am so sure as I am now alive, and Lost his Life in there Cause, and I must now suffer. I beg your Excelency would in your great goodness take my Distressed Sitiuation under Consideration if they will not be a patron to the widow of them that fell, where can they Expect help from, the widows of them that was Slain, on the other side is the Care of Goverment, and shall I plead in vain. I beg again for your Patronage, on my knees. Let me Intreast your friendships I Seported my self and was no Expence to the Congress when others where seported at the publick Expence. I have waited near Eight year in hopes that he was taken, and would Return but now my hopes are all fled. That he fell a victim in there Cause I have not the Least Doubt.

There might be something done to help me had they the will, and for that Reason I have taken the Liberty To trouble a Gentellman of your good Sense with my Case. Mrs Killcup a Lady that has the honnor of being personly know to your Excelency thinks with me your know justice and Humanity will plead my Excuse Lives in the house with me and is in good health presents her most Respectfull Complements to your Excelency.

I am with the greatest Respect and Esteem your honnors most obediant and Devoted Humble Servant