tho' I Receiv'd no answer to the first letter I have had the honour of writing you this last month, give me leave to Send you this Second.
I was yesterday at !'orient where I have Seen the embarquations taken By one of your privetears: one of them is fit to be arm'd as a privetear, and if you please to trust me with the Commandement of it, I'll Sail in Company with the other, or else I'll go with it to Baston, as it will please you to order. if you have not Sailors enough for that purpos, I'll find you Brave fellows whose will Surely Serve your Country with distinction: But, if my demand is agreable to you, you must be as good as to obtain me leave from the Court of franee that I may absent my Self; and a power to engage frenchmen to Come with me.
be assur'd, Sir, that I'll neglect nothing to testifie you my agknowledgment. I am with all possible Respect [&c.]
the 3d day of mach 1777
from quimperlé in low Britain —
[Endorsed by de Basseville on verso]
Sir/ Be pleas'd to honour me with an answer that I may Know your intention towards me
