Sir: I flatter myself you will pardon this intrusion, but hope my present unhappy situation will be a sufficient apology.

I was, unfortunately, cast away on the 23d of December last, on Squan-Beach, in the sloop Polly and Nancy, which vessel was laden by his Excellency Governour Tryon, for Boston, with sundry articles as a present to General Howe, and immediately was taken prisoner, by order of the Committee of Freehold, in Monmouth County. As I only went passenger, by permission of his Excellency, in order to get my son home to New-York, think it is cruel; my state of health, at present, is such, that if I have not my enlargement soon, I must inevitably perish. ²

I now presume to beg you will be kind enough to procure me at least a hearing; your compliance will be gratefully acknowledged by, sir [&c.]