My Lord

I take the freedom to Petition your Excellency, in behalf of Myself and the General Cause of ameriqua.

I am my Lord a subject of Great Britain, born in Aberdeen, I have Long served on board of different Ships of his Majesty's, which has Ever marked my Conduct.

At this juncture I have under my Command an active saitie [settee]², Genoa Built, well fitted for the purpose of a Privateer, She mounts 10 Guns and Carries 40 men, and is in Every other respect a Vessel to cruize in the mediteranean against the avowed Ennemis of the Royal Congress of america, for this Vessel I have to move your Excellency for a Commission; that I may fall upon their trade unlooked for.

for my Character I beg Leave to refer your Excellency to my friend who presents this, which repose confidence sufficient in my conduct. I am My Lord [&c.]

nice 7th June 1777.

P S Description of the Vessel the saitie named the Europe Genoa Built. mounts ten Guns, navigated by forty Men, now Lying in the Harbour of nice; Commander francis Fowler.