Henry Smithson requests funds to investigate a counterfeiting case

Honour,d Sir           May the 26th 1717

Here is com̄ited to this Goile one {illeg}h; Sager and a comon strumpet about the City and to wit an old offender that goes for his wife taken with divers Instruments (and False coyn,d) monney in their Custody I beleive I can obtaine a large discouery From them if I had money to bear them Company and to humor which I will {illeg} diligently pursue if you please to Lay the Summe on me soe to do; I am Sir your poore destress,d Servant to command from the Kings ward in the Marshalsea        Henꝫ; Smithsonꝫ pray Sir fauoring with your Answer

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for Sir Isack Newton att his House in St Martins                      Street         LONDON