Sir

I have taken the Liberty to enclose to your Care a Petition to Congress drawn up at the Request of Cap^t. Cockran and others.¹ Their Case I think is peculiarly hard, more especially as no Claim was made in Behalf of the Colonies, till sometime after the Jury had given in a Verdict and were unanimously of Opinion that Cap^t. Cockran &c. were entituled to the Sloop from their representation of the Case. Besides the Continental Agent never claimed untill his time had elapsed by our Laws in this State.—I understand that M^r. Ellis has received Orders from Congress to remit the money to Edenton. I wish you would interfere on this Occasion & procure Justice for the Petitioners.—I hope there is nothing improper in the Application if there is impute it to our Ignorance & not to an Inclination of offending that respectable Body of men, the Congress.² I hope you enjoy your Health & wish you would put it in my Power to oblige you in this part of the World. I am, Sir [&c.]