[BOSTON AP 3] FREE The Hon: Henry Knox Secretary at War In Philadelphia [Wm Davis [undecipherable] 179[undecipherable]] Dear Sir — Boston 25^th March 179[undecipherable] Having lately forwarded a petition to the President, soliciting a place in any public department, here, that he the[undecipherable] proper to place me, & then is to be appointed Inspector of the Excise, I shall esteem it as a particular favor done me, your backing my petition, with your influence, with his Excellency, to appoint me to that birth. I know of no friend your way, but you Sir & I flatter my self if you have such a regard for my Family, as to help them to this assistance you have all along known me, & my character in life, that I have from the beginning, been a staunch friend to the liberty of my Country; & have just met with very heavy losses, since 1775. which has reduced me, I should have had no occasion for for this my application. Your best endeavors to serve me, will lay me under infinite obligations to you. I salute you, & am, with every sentiment of esteem, Dear Sir, y^r distressed hum^ble Ser^t Jero: William Davis PS M^rs Davis's kindest regards attend you, & your Lady, and joins heartily, in my request. The Hon: H. Knox Esq^r