[undecipherable] to the [undecipherable] Philadelphia Dec[embe]r [3?] [17]99 No [undecipherable] 14/1[undecipherable] – Philadelphia Decemb 3. 1799 Sir I have once had the honor of serving my country against the Troops of great Brittain from the year one thousand Seven hundreds and Seventy Seven. I wore the Sword of an Officer untill the conclusion of the War in the last revolution, part of the time I had a Lieutenants Commission in Colonel David H[undecipherable]s Regiment, and two years before the war was closed, I was a Captain in the 9^th Massachusetts Regiment Commanded by Colonel Henry Jackson of Boston. I have performed the duty of Conductor of Military Stores from the fourth of October one thousand Seven hundreds and eighty Six [un]till the year one thousand seven hundreds and ninety two in Springfields at the Massachusetts Arsenal from the year one thousand Seven hundred and ninety two I have been transferred to the western Army which was Commanded by his Excellency General Wayne, under his and General James Wilkinsons orders I have performed the duty of Conductor of a Military Stores untill the ninth of August one thousand seven hundreds and ninety eight. [undecipherable] the Battle of Rhode Island heras [undecipherable] for it [undecipherable] there be discovered that Lieutenant Henley, was with a [undecipherable] ball shot in real action through his right Arm. I by the permission of the honorable Secretary of War take the liberty to give him the information contained in this letter, being informed my Country are going to raise more Troops for the protection of the United States, wish from my heart that I may receive a Majors Commission, or at least the appointment of a Captain, and time will prove to my Country, and the Honorable Secretary of War my fidelity and honor in those charges reposed in my Bosom, I am Sir with great respect your Very Humble Serv[an]t. Sam Henley The Hon[ora]ble James M [undecipherable] Secretary of War Philadelphia