Sir:

Agreeable to a Resolve of Congress, I have procured a man to serve in the Continental Army During the war & have a Certificate from a Continental Officer for an Able Bodied Soldier. On my Being Drafted in the last Draft of the Militia I applyed to Collo. Benton who told me he could not Determine whether I was Exempted or not & Refered me to your Excellency.

I told Col. Benton that whenever the State was Invaded and the whole Militia ordered out then Every one having Procured a man

To your Excellency's Better Judgement I Beg Leave to Refer the matter. Beging pardon for Troubling your Excellency at this Busy time which nothing but my being a stranger in the State & wishing to be put Right Could Induce me to do. I have Chearfully paid my part when classed & am Still willing to do it as well as to Comply with all the Good Laws of the State. An Answer will be Esteemed as a Honor done