We left England with the Intention of going by land to India with Colonel Mathews who is appointed second in command on the Malabar Coast. That we might be some time at Brussels we went there expecting that he would soon follow us. Business of the Company and some affairs of his own having detained him in London it was resolved that we should go on by ourselves to Bombay. It is needless to trouble you at present with a more particular Account. We have resolved to go to America and as far as in our power give assistance in a cause we approve of.

This Resolution of ours is by no means the Effect of Necessity. One of us leaves an Estate in Wales of five hundred pounds a year free from all Incumbrance besides what he might expect in India from the Interest of Colonel Mathews who is his Relation. The other gives up his appointment in the Army. If any farther proof is desired that we are gentlemen our Letters of Introduction to the Governor and chief people at Bombay will sufficiently show it. We thus give up certainty and only hope for honour or preferment in America as our Services may Merit.

The french Consul at this place informs us that we cannot go to America by France without Passports which he cannot give. We therefor hope your Excellency will send us them to Genoa where we shall wait their Arrival. We’ll be much obliged to you for your Direction with respect to our future proceedings. From what port in France to take a Ship and where to put in on our arrival at America so as to get most easily to General Washington. You will please to direct for us to the Care of the french Envoy at Genoa at which place we shall wait your Letter. We hope your Excellency will send us the passports as soon as possible As the step we have taken will disoblige our friends in England we for the future can hope for no remittances from that Quarter. We are your Excellencys Obedient humble Servants.