Louis François Rolandeau to John Adams, September 2, 1778

Paris, 2 September 1778

Sir

Your kindness in deigning to take notice of my condition is so precious to me that I shall cherish it always. My situation had become so overwhelming that I despaired of ever surmounting it until you generously asked me to send you a statement of my losses, which I take the liberty of enclosing, 1 and pray that you will consider my urgent need to return from Nantes to the United States.

I respectfully await your orders at the earliest possible moment. I have the honor to be, with the most profound respect, your very humble and very obedient servant

Rolandeau 2

As you can see by what is listed at the end of this memorandum, I am destitute of every necessity and I know that in your wisdom you will be able to judge what I require to purchase those things that will make my voyage possible. This memorandum is intended only to inform you of my losses and I will gratefully receive whatever it pleases you to send.

Please inform the bearer of the day on which I may meet with you.