Gentlemen,

The distressed situation that I left my Family in has determined me at the hazard of my life immediately to proceed to the Island of Saint John ー preparatory thereto I am obliged to goe to Beverly where I shall be detained the whole day which debars me from waiting on you in order to request your indulgence to be permitted to Ship on Board a Vessel which I have hired to goe from Beverly to Winter harbor ー six barrells of Flour ー three barrlls of Bread ー three barrlls of Pork and one barrll of W:I: Rum ー the reasons that I have to offer for this request are ー that most part of my winter supply have been destroyed at the Island ー by which I am reduced to a sole dependance on your determination ー I have to add that His Excellency Genl Washington has granted me an order to be assisted in my intended Voyage ー I shall further give you every security that the supply of provisions that I ask the liberty of shipping are entirely for my own consumption and for no other use ー Mr Pitman who is so kind to take charge of this will inform you of many particular circumstances which I hope will induce you to shew me a lenity that shall ever be acknowledged by him who is Gentn [&c.]