John Stuart to Benjamin Franklin, February 14, 1780

Dunkerque The 14th. Feby: 1780.

May it Please Your Excellency.

We Humbly beg to Express to Your Excellency Our Gratitude for the Liberty granted us for to Serve with Capt. Ryan on Board of his Cutter the Fear not. We Solemny Promise to Your Excellency to be faithfull in Our Services to the Brave Capt. Ryan & To be ever true to Our Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America, which we Now make in the Hands of your Excellency, with our Warmest acknowledgments to have empowerded us to do The Same, & Therewith follow our Inclination.

We Are with due Respect May it Please Your Excellency Your Most Obedient & most Humble Servants

John Stuart Daniel Sweney James Farragher Walter Roach Edward Sweney his mark X George Moor his mark X William Ohasse (?) his mark X

His Excellency Doctr. Franklin