Dear Sir

In consequence of some despatches from Congress to Captain [James] Nicholson I have thought proper to permit three men of the Old Battalion Whom I had confined in the Guard House to go on Board the Virginia Frigate with the promise of the Captain if you and the General disapprove of it that he will land and deliver the men agreeable to your order ー if I have in this point exceeded the line of my duty ー you must do me the Justice to attribute it to my Zeal and hope my good intentions will be a sufficient apology for the error committed I am with much respect Sir [&c.]