[FREE] [The Honorable Major General Knox Secretary at War Philadelphia] [Mrs Anna Welch] [New London 5 Dec / 1791] [C. Wm. Welch] Mrs Anna Welch New London Nov. 14, 17[91] Sir, having Sent on a Petition to Congress, praying for what I believe is my just Due, and hearing from General Huntington that after it is Discussed by that Body, it must be refer'd to you, I take the liberty to intrude thus on you — your Character I have heard from that Gentleman which Emboldens me to hope, you will excuse this trouble from a Stranger — you will find from the Papers sent on that I am a widow — but not that I am friendless — I am indeed an Orphan and could say a friendless one, but for the kind interposition of Strangers, they have Advised me to make Application to Congress for redress when I lost my husband I look'd up to a Beloved Brother and fondly hoped he would be the Support of my widowed State, but Providence (wise no Doubt in every dispensation) saw fit to deprive me of that prop also — previous to this last Stroke I had the misfortune to lose part of a House which I expected would have afforded me an Asylum for life — and furniture — for this I may thank General Arnold his barbarity to this [undecipherable] widows [undecipherable] Thus Sir, I have in as few words as possible given you an account of my Losses and Afflictions — There are many I dare say in the same Situation — but these Afflictions do not lessen mine — Let me intreat you Sir to reflect only for a moment and your Benevolent Heart will I doubt not influence you to grant me redress if it lies in your power — firmly relying on that Hope I will Calmly wait the Issue of my Petitions and this Address to you — and not detain you any longer than once more beg you will have the goodness to excuse this trouble from a Stranger Anna Welch [Hon. Major Gen'l Knox]