A declaration of War on the part of Great Britain makes it necessary for me to apply to Your Excellency for permission to Continue with my Family at St. Omers where I have lived for Six Years. I have served many Years in America—but have quited the Service for some time as my intentions are to serve the United States; if its possible to be imployed. I have for many Month’s endeavoured to get to Boston but without success. General Gates and I were many Years aid de Camps to the Same General. I have offer’d my Service thro’ Him to the Congress and hope soon to have his Answer. If I can be of the least use to Your Excellency here Or on any other occasion it will give me the greatest Pleasure. My Life shall ever be devoted to so noble a Cause and Most Sincerely regret it was not in my Power to Arrive there two Years since. I have had the Honor of writing many Letters both to You and Mr. Dean under a disguised Name but received no Answers—and I most earnestly entreat the favour of You not to Mention my Name for the Present but for fear You might suppose Me an Adventurer Colonel Mercer will inform You who I am.

I have the honor to be your Excellencys Most Obedient and Very humble Servant