As I have often heard of your Benevolence and Humanity, I take the liberty of writing you these few lines. It is proper however that I should begin with giving some account of myself.

I am a native of North Britain and my Father is a Clergyman in that Country. I have got an University education and have with me at present my Diploma as Master of Arts which I received several years ago. I have been employed for some years past in the line of a Tutor, and as most of my time has been employed in literary pursuits, I have occasionally had the honour of corresponding with men of eminence in the literary world. By their influence I expected to have had an opportunity of travelling abroad with some Gentleman of Fortune but the present state of hostilities have disappointed my expectations.

Such is the person who writes this and who delivers it in person. As to his moral character he has letters in his possession of a late date from Men of eminence and distinction, and could easily have more if necessary.

I have only been four months in France and but a few Days in Paris. As I propose to leave this place in the course of a week, a thought came into my head to make application to Dr. Franklin for his advice and assistance whose liberality of sentiment I know will easily forgive the somewhat unusual circumstance of a person writing a letter in his own behalf. The principal object I had in view in coming to Paris was to find out some French work of merit for translating into English. As there are so many Translators it is generally too late to begin to translate after a book is printed and exhibited to the Public. I have thought therefore that if I could fall upon any means of seeing the Manuscript of any Author of Distinction or even the Sheets as they come out in the course of publication I would willingly give him a share of the profit arising from the publication of the translation.

I case this scheme should fail I should be satisfied to take the charge of any young gentleman of fortune in the capacity of a Tutor. In either of these respects who could be more useful than Dr. Franklin. As a man of letter he can assist in the first of these particulars, and his connection with the great enable him to be serviceable in the latter.

I should be still more happy Sir if you yourself could give me employment in any line you may think me qualified for, as I confess I have an ambition to be employed by a person who has so eminently distinguished himself in different respects. I may venture to say without vanity that whatever employ I might happen to be entrusted with I should be always faithful to the trust reposed in me and never guilty of ingratitude.

I beg pardon Sir for the freedom I have used in thus intruding upon your time and your goodness by may perhaps impertinent solicitations. In case you should not be disposed or not have it in your power to be of service to me in any of these respects I have mentioned, I have at least this satisfaction from my forwardness, that I have seen a man the real object of whose pursuits is the happiness and prosperity of Mankind. I have the honour to be with the greatest respect Sir Your most humble Servant