I had the honour of writing you from London last month by the way of Flanders which letter I hope you have receiv’d, and in case you have not I take the liberty of subjoining a duplicate of it at the end of this for your perusal.

To Judge Sir by my own feelings I think it is impossible to remain an indifferent Spectator of the glorious fabrick now raising in America in support of the injur’d rights of so large a portion of mankind, but that by the natural impulse of every heart not callous to all the feelings of honour and humanity the wish of all the wise the generous and the brave must be led unanimously to lend a helping hand according to the different capacities of each in asserting and supporting a cause in which the happiness and future well being of so numerous a body of our fellow creatures is so deeply interested: This so obvious consideration is the first which struck me, and which join’d to those mention’d in the letter below laid me as it were under the necessity of troubling you as I then did and now do again at the same time begging your pardon and answer directed to Brigadier General Ferrier to the care of Thomas Mayne Esquire, Lisbon: I shall also endeavour to write on the same Subject to my Cousin in America by the way of Cadiz and in hopes of hearing from you soon beg leave to subscribe myself with great deference and respect Sir your most faithful humble Servant

I took the liberty of remitting you a letter two days ago by means of the Spanish Ambassador here for my Cousin German Mr Samuel Johnston of Edenton in North Carolina and who is one of the delegates in the General Congress of the united States of America and as it was not prudent there to mention to him any thing else than private family affairs I take the liberty of addressing myself directly to you not doubting but as what I have to propose to you will turn out very beneficial to the Service of the united states so it will also of consequence be acceptable to you.

As it is more than probable the independence of the united States will soon be acknowledg’d by England if not privately so already and as of consequence they will have occasion for Officers properly Qualified for the different branches of their military Service applications will not be wanting it which it will behoove the states to be much upon their Guard as to the choices they make as I have seen a great deal of imposition in that way, and tho’ this Caution may seem rather misplac’d from a person about to propose himself as a Candidate it is nevertheless necessary: I shall now explain myself As to what I am and have been till I enter’d into the English Service above twenty years ago and by leave of the King of England into that of the Crown of Portugal in 1762 I refer you entirely to the information of my own Cousin German Mr Samuel Johnston or to an authority I am persuaded you and the Gentlemen of the Congress will consider as the most authentick; My profession has always been in the Artillery branch of the Army under one of the ablest professors of it that appear’d in our allied army in Germany last War I mean the Count la Lippe Buckeburg who died only last year Mareshal General of the Troops of the Crown of Portugal where he honour’d me with his Recommendations in such a manner that I have form’d successively three Regiments of Artillery in that service and have pass’d gradually thro’ all the Ranks up to that of Brigadier General which I got there four years ago; I posess authentick letters from him which certify with respect to my capacity as well as certificates from other able men of the profession: I am well acquainted with the methods of the principal Artillery Schools of Europe having visited them and taken all such methods as I thought most conducive to be usefull in my profession.

If under these circumstances with the addition of my having many relations in America and particular concerns and dependances which regard me nearly I can be of any use to the United States in regulating their artillery and putting it upon a footing at least equal to that of any at present in Europe I here beg leave thro’ your means Sir to offer them my Services, that you will inform yourself by means of your Agent at Lisbon of my Character in that Kingdom both as an Officer and a man and that you will favour me with an answer directed there as soon as possible that I may know you have receiv’d this: To morrow I set out from hence for Lisbon and shall take the liberty of writing you from thence and remain in the mean time very respectfully Sir Your most obedient humble Servant