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Fletcher
In the utmost anxiety of Hope I have presumed to address you, Sir, who are probably wearied with too many Sollicitations on the subject. To be of Service to you in your intended Expedition, and to have so happy an Opportunity of improving my self in natural knowledge, is my only Ambition. You are Sir already provided, you are crowded with Followers. Yet if the advantage of a liberal Education, and of a Mind devoted to your Service in the Pursuit of knowledge, can obtain me any Preference in your Favour, you will have one whose Diligence will make him useful, and whose Gratitude will ensure his Diligence. Any Employment that requires a knowledge of Astronomy, practical Navigation, Chymistry, or Mathematics, I would gladly undertake; or if so supremely happy as to be found deserving your Notice, will engage during your remaining Stay in England, to improve myself so far in the Linnaean System, and in drawing and Colouring Plants &c from Nature, as to render myself in many respects useful. Excuse Sir the Variety of these self-Encomiums if I add that I have not neglected Electrical or other Philosophical Studies; having been able to construct an Electric Machine with a large Apparatus, as well as to draw a Plan or Chart, to calculate a Transit or Eclipse, or to make an Astronomical Observation. I ask no Recompence but the Permission to serve you, and fear no Danger so much as your rejecting this request. If I am fortunate enough to escape that Danger, I shall ever continue to be with great Respect
your most & devoted humble servant
J. Fletcher
Novr. 1771
Tom's, Devereux Court.