[Extract]
Dear Sir

I have to Inform you that I have taken out of the Privateer Schooner Revenge Seven Regular Soldiers, four of whom belong to your old Regiment, whom I propose to have tried by a Court Martial to Morrow ー after which, they shall be sent under guard to Annapolis upon examination I found that the Lieutenant of the Privateer knew them to be Soldiers, and had in some other Instances descended to meanness Inconsistant with the Character of a Gentleman, or man of Principle upon which I ordered him to be confind on board the Virginia Frigate as a Prisoner ー where I did propose he should remain until I had the Opportunity to send him under Guard to the Assembly: but on reading over the late act I find they have affixed a penalty in such cases, which upon application of the owners of the Vessel,² I was Induced to have recourse to ー and upon releasement of the Lieutenant ー not having any Magistrates in Town, they have pledgd their word and honor to comply with the act of Assembly, and have made themselves Accountable to the State of Maryland for One hundred Dollars to be deducted out of the Lieutenants prize Money (if any) , to which Purpose I have given the Captain a Certificate with permission to sail . . .