The Letter which is inclosed we took the Liberty to send you from Leghorn by the Advice of the french Consul there. After being some time at Genoa we thought it better to proceed to Marseilles where we might be able to make the necessary Arrangements for our Voyage before the arrival of your Excellencys Answer. We therefor left orders with the secretary of the french Envoy to have it forwarded to Marseilles. We remained at that place till two posts had arrived after that one which in the regular return should have brought an Answer. The Governor then informed us that as we were Englishmen he could not consistent with his orders allow us to remain in Town, We have thus come to Paris to trouble your Excellency with the renewal of our request. As we have been put to great Expences in coming to Paris and as it is much safer for us we will be much obliged to you to get us a passage in a Vessel of the King.

Had our plan of going to America been formed before leaving England we might have had Recommendations to many in the American Service—To General Washington or to Mr. Weatherspoon Member of Congress. As Matters now stand we shall be happy in giving your Excellency any Information with respect to ourselves that the Nature of the Case will permit and we flatter ourselves that you will find us in no degree unworthy of your protection. If for Reasons of which we are ignorant you find it improper to comply with our request we shall leave Paris immediately satisfied in having done everything in our power to serve a cause which we and many of our friends wish to be successful. If it is agreeable we shall be happy in waiting on your Excellency; but if not we hope to be honoured with your answer as soon as convenient. We are your Excellencys most Obedient humble Servants