[dateline] Paris 15th. March 1781
[salute] Sir
Having been taken the 25th. January last, in the Brig Active, on my passage from Philadelphia
to L'Orient and Carry'd into England, The British took from me, all my private paper's
and Bills of Exchange, among which were several setts, drawn by Congress, on Holland;
Colo. Palfrey in the Shelaly, who had the Seconds, not being arrived, leaves me without
any to Present untill I can receive the third or fourth from America. And as those
who are in possession of the first of each sett, Indors'd payable to William McCarty
& Co. may present them for Acceptance and Payment; I take the Liberty to request your
Excellency, will have them Stopt, as my property, not having Indors'd any one of them.
I am with great Respect your Excellency's Most Obedt. & very humble Servt.