From — Purtchaires
ALS: American Philosophical Society
<Toul, January 20, 1778, in French: At forty-five I have served
my country as a magistrate for the statutory term, and deserve
to retire. A large family requires further work from me, and I
have a thousand louis with which to make a good start in the
United States, where land needs only men. To adopt this plan
without advice would be irreparable stupidity; it can succeed
with your protection, for which I ask. I am not unworthy. My
motives do not disgrace me or you, and I could cite my sponsors
(M. de la Galaisiere, conseiller d’etat, and Mr. de Brocvielle,
curé of Versailles) if the post I hold did not sufficiently prove
that neither wretchedness nor infamy is behind my emigrating.
Give me, then, your guidance.>
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