Illustrious Patriots./

If the most pressing necessity shall not be deemed a sufficient apology for the singularity of this address; I own myself unable to make any; and must submit to your censure. ー

Perhaps it may be no easy task to determine why the unhappy are solicitous to conceal their infelicity; but certain it is, that this Propensity is so powerful; where any degree of delicacy presides in the mind: that every Person in the least acquainted with the human heart must be thoroughly convin'd of its distress when compel'd to proclaim it. ー

It is of but little consequence: Gentlemen for you to be inform'd that in the early part of my life I quit the Land of my nativity, and pass'd a number of years in the West Indies; where the desire of independence enabled me to combat all the infirmities peculiar to that fatal Climate, till persevering diligence in the practice of medicine, had put me in possession of (what I tho't) a modest sufficiency for every future Care. ー

My unambitious views being thus satisfied, and the distresses which began to threaten my native Country (to which I feel every faculty of my soul indissolubly united [)] determined me to return & share its destiny. ー Accordingly all my property was shiped at different times, and on different Bottoms to North America, in one of which I took Passage myself; and after a most miserable & length[y] Voiage replete with inexpressible hazard and hardship I arrived at Boston a few days before General Gage; where I received the Melancholy news, that by ship-wreck & some other accidents to which Maritime affairs. are liable, almost every shilling of my hard earn'd acquisitions was utterly lost. ー

With a heavy & almost disponding heart, I proceeded to New Jersey where I have two Children; and after spending some time with them, resolved to try my fortune once more among the Islands; in pursuance of this resolution on the 20th of March, I took shipping at New York & Eleven days after was cast away at Cape Hatteras; from whence with much difficulty I got to Georgia; and being depriv'd by this accident of the very inconsiderable all, sav'd from my former misfortunes, have not had it in my Power to make a second attempt; and Consequently have ever since been a distitute unhappy Wanderer, without a home. ー

But the laudable preperations which are making for the preservation & defence of every sacred and valuable enjoyment, gives me leave to hope I may be yet rendered useful to society; and not intirely thrown by in the meridian of life, as a Worthless member in the Community. ー I am not such a novice as to be ignorant of the obstacles which impede the success of a stranger destitute of friends, interest, and acquaintance; and that employments are procured more easily by those who are more fortunate, but Gentlemen: let me beg you will oppose to those difficulties, the truely Pitiable situation to which I am reduc'd; and let this consideration excite you; generously to Imagine what it is impossible to discribe; the exquisite feelings of a Person of sensibility; accoustomed to the Joys of society & the Conveniences of life; by fatal Mischances; at once secluded from both, Oblig'd to exist the Child of dayly dependence, and compel'd by the indispensable call of nature to accept the unpleasant Condition. ー (vile debasing necessity), the universal benevolence of which your Characters bespeak you Possess'd; Join'd with these reflections; I flatter myself will supply the place of acquaintance, interest & friends. ー

Permit me Gentlemen; to inform you farther; that in the last War I spent several years in the service of my Country (chiefly in Character;) and during my residence in the Indies served in a similar Capacity, for the verity of this I have sufficient vouchers; & should think myself happy in an opportunity of submitting them to the inspection of your Patriotick and honourable Board. ー

Now Gentlemen: If on perusing this paper you shou'd think proper in any manner to honour me with your Commands, I shall endeavour to evince my gratitude by discharging any trust reposed in me, to the best of my abilities & with the utmost integrity.

But on the Contrary: if my suit is fruitless, and I am given over a Prey to despair; I hope humanity & goodness of heart will induce you to Pardon this trouble & presumtion of a stranger; and forget the author who cou'd never have been put on this expedient but as his last resources. I have the honour to be with all Possible Respect: Worthy & Respectable Gentlemen [&c.]

P.S. Any Commands directed to the care of Doctr John Budd will be immediately obeyed. Chas Town 27 Sept 1775