[address panel: General Knox / [underline: Present]] Jno. D. Hichborn New-york. Decemr 10— Sir You will excuse my Freedom in writing to you it is necessity that obliges me to do it this will inform you that about four months Since I purchasd a Vessel of M^r John Jackson in hopes she would be sound as she appeard to be and I took his word for it in proof about three weeks Since I sold her again I gave him at the rate of £125 for her and she fetched me only £9—about three weeks Since M^r Hugh Smith Sold her to a [undecipherable] Bird of red Hook more [undecipherable] in a [undecipherable] matter the £39 I [undecipherable] in the City every near all and I am now [undecipherable] showing your generous Sentiments I take this freedom to ask the loan of about £25 or thirty pounds to enable me to Discharge my Debts and to get some little [undecipherable] were I lodg'd they have taken [undecipherable] on [undecipherable] after I should have wait'd on you my Self but my draft came back that I was ask'd most very particular that you might [undecipherable] and I am in Distress I wish to [undecipherable] the after [undecipherable] and my [undecipherable] to [undecipherable] me the Gentleman who has the Business in hand at the Treasury office inform'd me that my money was due and that he could not pay me till the Congress Sat again but if it would lea[ve] a power with any one he would pay it therefore Sir if you would be so kind as to advance me that Sum I would be oblig'd to you as the Gent[leman] was so kind in the Office to tell me not tell it I have troubld your Honour with this letter as my Necessity is great and I have not broke my Fast this [undecipherable] Hours till three morning when I met with a friend you would greatly oblige me in so doing as you will save me from a [undecipherable] Prison and my Wife and two Children from poverty this Winter I was very particular in the fore part of my letter that you might see it is thro' misfortune being anxious to have a Vessel of my own I have like to ruin my Self and hurt my Family I will make the power over to you Sir that you may be sure and would thank you for answer and am Sir your little Servant General Knox Jon D Hichborn PS I would thank to Send me word as you please as I am in Great Distress [endorsement: Jos: D. Hichborn / New York Dec 10^th 1789 / Requests the loan of £25. / or £30. and to receive / as security his claims for / pay, as an officer on / board Cap. [undecipherable] Jones. / Ship in the late War.]