[Col. Heth — 4 Feb. 795 — to be answered] [1162 XXX-100] Col. Heth Philadelphia 4^th Feb. 1795 — Dear Sir, Do not I beseech you consi- der me as presuming too much upon that politeness which I have always experienced from you— by troubling you with the inclosed letter for my Brother Jack.— I have two reasons for taking this liberty— first— to save the poor fellow [of] for- ward, the expence of postage— and secondly— to en- sure it a safe conveyance.— Will you [ad]mit- ited, my dear Sir, to be [undecipherable] reason, for [my] thus [intruding] upon you! I feel extremely for Jack's situ- ation— His circumstances so [undecipherable] being such, as to o- blige him to go on a service that he dislikes— for I have no doubt, [undecipherable] that in consequence of his spending the summer of 1794 with the Shawanee, he contracted a familiarity & near esteem for many of their warriors & chiefs— and a great respect for the [nation].— From his [undecipherable] what he calls "a game leg."— I am incli- ned to ask whether it will be in your power to pro- cure him such an appointment as will confine him to a [depot?].— [About] 5 years [ago] he was seized with a white swelling in his left leg, which so affected the bone, that [several pieces] had been at different times exfoliated.— During the late war, he frequently [since] after severe exercise, it has given him such extreme pain, as to tempt him to [think] seriously of having the leg cut off.— From this [fear], he will not be able to go through much fatigue on foot.— If [he is] to be employed in the [next?] campaign, could he not have [it commanded] there, without being removed from his Regiment?— [Is it not—] he not be got appointed as Aid to the Commander in Chief?— When I ask this question, I am well aware that, he is qualified only to act as an executive [undecipherable]. In the day of battle he would be equal to any Man. The heroes of [undecipherable] say that, Morgan [&] [Todd?] are both in [Philadelphia] in expectation of being employed the ensuing Campaign— They both know Jack well, and I am persuaded either would be glad to serve him.— Tho' I have [undecipherable] consulted [your?] I know not how far it would be agreeable to my Brother— he has not hinted a word to me on the Subject.— And being of a singular turn of mind, with a great portion of [undecipherable] a certain kind of pride, and independence, he would not, [would he], go with the family of [whom?] he disliked, to improve his fortunes.— and for this I admire him.— I am Dear Sir, With the sincerest Esteem and respect, [My yours?] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [Signature]