Hond Gent
Since I had the Pleasure of seeing you last I saw one of those unfortunate men that was in the Prize Snow George taken by the Camelia a British Frigate, he made his Escape from a Prison Ship at New-York and travel'd to this Place, he informs me that the prisoners are us'd Extremely ill and no respect to Rank, that Officers and men are all tumbled into the hold together and oblidg'd to dress what little provision they have allow'd themselves or it's not done at all. I have applied to Mr Chase and Mr Carrol for their Assistance to get them exchang'd, but they say its a Business particularly belonging to this State. I do not doubt was your Honorable board to write the Congress but 'what they would get them exchang'd as soon as Possible. there is Capt [Andrew] Glasby, and Mr Lyons his mate here were they Secur'd they might be of Service in Exchanging for the Master of the defence Mr [James] Cordrey and Mr [William] Carter a Midshipman — Capt [James] Campbell will wait on you, and will be able to acquaint you more fully of each Circumstance — Our men who are taken by the Enemy are very likely to be kept as Prisoners a long time unless we fall on some method to have them exchang'd, I'm in great hopes some Speedy method will be put in Execution for that purpose
I intend for Frederick on Wednesday Morning next and doubt not but the Officers belonging to Ship will do every thing in their power to make dispatch — I shall wait on you in the time of the Assembly's being at Annapolis. am Hond Gent [&c.]
P. S. I have had some Conversation with Mr Jeremiah Chase relative to Snow Geo. he thinks a Claim good by an appeal to Congress. If you think proper you'l please to write to him Concerning said snow, and inform him of your Intention. I am [&c.]
G Cook.
[Enclosure] The names of those taken in Snow George. James Cordrey, Master; William Carter, Midshipman. Seamen, Alexr Stanton, John Power, Collin Brown, Alexr Nicholson, Dennis Larkens, Edward Gibbons, John Halfpenny, Patrick Cole, Timothy Kelley, the person made his escape —