As I do not know whether his Excellency would choose to sollicit for me in the present case I beg you would let me have your advice.

I am detained here on suspicion of Encouraging the subjects of his Christian Majesty to serve in Holland which is utterly false they even do not pretend to mention or alledge any facts against me the Grand Bailey told me that I could not get out but my powerfull intercession either wih the Prince of Robecq or the Minister I had waited till then thinking to have my trial but as I perceive it is not intended to let me have a trial and that if I have no interception I must remain here till such time as a publick rejoicing gives liberty to all people in my situation and then I shall be kept for the expences and my subsistence as I am informed his Majesty only allows me a few Sous per Day. I now would beg of you Sir to know if his Excellency will concern himself in this affair it may not be improper to give an accot how I come here. I landed from the South Carolina last October in the Port of Corrunna his Excellncy is certainly acquainted by Collonel Sarle and by myself last December of the inhuman usage I recieved from Commodore Gillon I at the advice of my Friends Mess Trumbull and Jackson resolved to stay in Europe and to go out in a cruizer till such time as Commodore Gillon would go to America in order then to follow him and have redress I came to this Post and went out in the Robecq we were not long out before we had an action with the Crocodile Frigat and I received two light contusions in that affair the Robecq being put into Port to repair I had an advantageous offer to go to Holland I went twice to flushing concerning that and was determined to go out there but having received advice from the armateur of the Robecq that he would not consent to my leaving the vessell and received intelligence that I was suspected of taking men from Dunkirk to flushing I resolved to return to Dunkirk to clear my Character but I did not foresee that my innocence would then be so fatal to me. Mr De Latre a captain of a Dutch Privateer was taken up upon suspicion likewise and kept a prisoner four months and if the Dutch Ambassador had not applied for him he would still be here. I shall expect your answer as soon as possible that I may know how to act in consequence I remain Sir your most humble and obedient Servant