I have not the honor of being known to you, but the cruel apprehension in which I find myself on the subject of my son emboldens me to write to you, sir. Would you have any news about the warship the Erfprins, Captain Aberson, on board which is my dear son, the young man to whom you granted more than one audience last March, and to whom you were so kind as to give letters of recommendation.1 For such kindnesses on your part, sir, I am no less grateful than if my dear child were able to make use of them. But, alas, sir, the cruel uncertainty that I am in regarding this good and brave boy, this worthy son, cannot be expressed. In the name of God, if you have or if you receive any news related to this vessel, please do me the favor of thinking of the one who has the honor of being with a very particular esteem, sir, your very humble and afflicted servant