I beg Pardon for troubling you with the following Lines. You’ll remember you had a Copy of a Gunners warrant from Mr Coffin American Agent at Dunkirk, whereby I am appointed Gunner of the Lexington Bigg Cap. Johnston commander; I left Dunkirk the first day of May last in order to proceed to America by first Opportunity: and came to Brest expecting an Opportunity, but you must know that I lost my legg in the Lexington, and when I arrived at Brest found it dangerously bad, and went to the Royall Hospital where I have continued ever since, but am at present cured and has been for some time. I have applied to the Agent here for a passage: but can receive none, tho’ there has since I was cured two different fleets sailed for America: had the Intendant of this place been here, I had got a passage without troubling you, but he went sometime ago [to] Paris, by which means I lost my best    for the Agent here appointed to see the Americans righted seems to give themselves no trouble about any Men belonging to the united States. If you are not good enough to send me an order directed to Mr Billiard first Surgeon of the Hospital here, I may continue here for Months more at a great expence to the Congress, which will be prevented by your giving an order as above. You’ll receive a Certificate inclosed from the first Surgeon here by which youll see I have stayed here without reason in expecting you orders.

I remain Sir Your most Obedient Humble Servant