Extract of a letter from Sir John Peyton of Gloucester County, to the Hon. John Page, Esq. President of the Council, dated Jan. 28, 1777.
. . . I have seen Mr. Edward Hughes, who was taken by the enemy last Wednesday. He informs me there are three ships in the bay, a 60, 50, and a 36 gun frigate, under the command of Commodore Hotham. He brought with him the inclosed, 1 and if it is proper that an exchange should be made, shall be much obliged to you for your interest in bringing it about as soon as possible. Mr. Hughes gives great praise to the Commodore for his generous and humane behaviour, who, after being informed the circumstances of Hughes's family, &c. gave him his boat with almost every thing in her, detaining a Negro which he said he understood was a tolerable pilot, but assured him, at the same time, he should be returned as soon as he got a better; that he did not mean to distress individuals who industriously were going from river to river to support their families. — Hughes understood they were to cruise here, and expect 7 or 8 sail more every day.
