I took the liberty of remitting you a letter two days ago by means of the Spanish Ambassador here for my Cousin German Mr Saml Johnston who is one of the Delegates in the General Congress of the United States of America and as it would not have been prudent to have mention’d there any thing besides the private family affair I talk’d of I now take the liberty of addressing myself directly to you not doubting but as what I have to propose will turn out very beneficial to the Service of the United States it will also of consequence be acceptable to you.

As it is now more than probable that the independence of the united States will soon be acknowledg’d by England if not privately so already and as consequently they will have occasion for Officers properly qualified for the different branches of their Military Service applications will certainly not be wanting in which it will behoove the States to be much upon their guard 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 very necessary. I shall now proceed to explain myself.

As to what I was or 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 Portugal in 1762 I beg leave to refer you entirely to the information of my own Cousin German Mr Saml Johnston as to an Authority both 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 Masters of it that appear’d in our allied Army in Germany during last War I mean the Count la Lippe Buckebourg 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 a Brigadier General which I got there four years ago; I possess authentick letters from the said Mareshal General which certify with respect to my Capacity and also 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 other methods as I thought most conducive towards being usefull in my profession.

If under these Circumstances with the Addition of my having many relation[s] in America and particular concerns and dependances there 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 Mr C—tr—t of my Character in that Kingdom both as an Officer and a Man and that you will favour me with an answer directed for me there as soon as possible tha[t] I may be certain of your having receiv’d this, I am persuaded it were sup[er]fluous to recommend to your prudence the necessary precautions in this delicate affair till it be finally settled, To morrow I set out from hence to 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