Boston Feby 18th 1787 Dear sir Influenced by that regard and Friendship which I doubt not were reciprocal in our younger dayes, imboldens me at this Time to address you - I now take the liberty to give you a Cursory view of my distress'd situation, am in a manner out of Business, and a very Large Family to provid for, the exigancy of which are very detrimental to my Feelings, by not having any Resource to allevate them - I might have been put into a good way of Business, was it not for my debt in England, which was [Contract'd] prevous to war, all the Merchandize I had from thence was taken from my place of depository by the British, and ever since the peace took place have been rather incredulous in entering largely into business, Fearing I should be stript of my property, which would not only distress my self but be Injurious to those friends that supply'd me - now my dear sir, if you have any birth in Office that You Can bestow, and think I Merit, and will be so Obliging as to bestow it on me, Shall at no future friend of my Life be forgot - I wish your Family Continual Health, and you every blessing to Ballance the Unavoidable evils attending this Life - I am with very great Regard Dear sir Your Most Obed:t and Very Humb:le Serv:t John Langdon Henry Knox Esqr. [docket] Capt John Langdon Boston 18th February 1787 answered 25th