S^r

Excuse the Freedom of my Presumption, in Writing to you tho not Personally Acquainted, Still from the Charector you bear from every Loyal American, induces me to let you know of my Misfortune of being taken Prisoner, & brought here from the Westindias Where I commanded a Privatier fitted out by W^m. Bingham Esq^r Agent of the Honourable Congress of the United States¹ am in a Distress'd situation, the Particulars you'l Excuse as times does not permit. begs your Assistance if Convenient & hopes you'l make Known to Congress, as we may Expect a Carteel some time Tho God Knows When. however any service I may Recive will be Greatly thankful, as W^m. Bingham or Rich^d. Harrison of Martinicoe Wood be Answerable—I am [&c.]

N.B. those letters you'l be Pleas'd to forward to Martinicoe: I mention to these Gentlemen in these letters of my Application made to you Which I hope will Reach them. if this Answers you'l Direct to Portsmouth at Fortune Goal I draw for 20 Guineas as ⅌ Note—

Superscription thus

To

Cap^t. J^no. Welsh
at Portsmouth
in the Goal of
Fortune