Most honourable sir —

I am Capn of Vessells Born in Canada and has constantly Sailed on board of Some of the New England's Ship's and being intirly divoted to the most Illustrious american Congress having as also my Brother who serves actually on the Right honourable General Washington's army, I dare flatter myself to be intitled to Sail under the flag of the thirteen united provinces, & that you'l be so Kind as to Grant me your agreement to it, as also a Commission from the· Congress that I may be impowered to cruise on our Enemies the English tirants waiting with Confience for the favour from your honour, I have already Bought in this Port a Vessell which I am actually Preparing, & which will be arm'd with twelve Guns &c: whose Cargo will consit in amunitions of war, & others which I intend to Carry to the General Washington's army, So that I take the liberty of applying myself to the [illegible] that you may be pleased to Grant my Request in Sending me a Commission from the Congress that, in my way to New England I may destroy, if Possible some of our Enemy's Ship's, my mate And Part of my ship's crew are americans, and my said ship is Caled the Congress Sloop, from Boston and I intend to sail out in the Late end of this month, I do most humbly Request you wou'd be so good to Send me a Regular Commission, &you'll be Pleased to direct it to Mr Bronkhorst Commissary of their highness the States Generals of Holland in this city, that G[ent]lemen as many other People of Consideration will testify to your honour the thruth of what I take the liberty of exposing to you, as also of my Zeal & Great Concern for the Interest & prosperity of our Provinces. I am [&c.]