[Docket: 3[undecipherable] 1800 / Sam[undecipherable] Lew[undecipherable]] James Mc Henry Esq^r. Debtors Apartment, May 3^rd 1800. [AC 7865] Sir, I know not how to hope you will pardon the repeated trouble given you, by a wretched being, now almost worn down to a mere shadow, debilitate and weak; a mind almost distracted, when knowing how much a tender Wife and six helpless Children suffer, experiencing the sad want of a Protector. I cannot see any other prospect before me, but dying in a Prison, and a whole family cast upon a World, where they are all Strangers — I was flattered with a hope, that Congress would have granted me a release from Confinement, on my reimbursing, by instalments, the amount stated due — this I declared my willingness to do, not only in my Petition, but in a letter addressed to the Committee — I fear they will report unfavorably, unless some kind and benevolant Heart would interest themselves with the Committee, and recommend me to them — I desire no other condition of Enlargement, than a reimbursement — I have not the least doubt, but I might be enabled to make frequent payments, from my earnings, thereby liquidating by degrees the whole demand — I have done some little works whilst confined; but, do not expect to be able, if confinement is to continue, as I can easily perceive the decaying of nature. Again requesting your forgiveness for my frequent solicitations, I throw myself on your mercy towards the wretchedly miserable, Samuel Lewis Sen. James Mc Henry Esq^r.