Sir

I herewith Send Thomas Sparks, Richd Caswell & Francis a Negro man taken in a Schooner who was supplying the Navy with fresh Provisions & refreshments, as you will see by the Papers herewith sent you,² as we are in a Defenceless State it would be best not to have this affair Publish'd in the Publick Papers. and the same Reason induces me to think it best to send these Persons to you, that you may secure them at Barnstable or send them to Head Quarters in Order that they may not be able to feed our Enemies or to take revenge by coming here with an arm'd Force ー[&c.]

P S  the Negro belongs to Thomas Talbot of Salem Richard Caswell is an Apprentice to a Rope Maker in Boston after Examination perhaps you will think it advisable to send the Negro to his Master as he now [s]eems inclined to go there ー yours &c

E. C ー

P. S. I think it further necessary to inform you that Sparks hath been at the Cape several times and hath carried some fresh Provisions ー said Sparks hath brought out several Persons. belonging to the Cape that were press'd on board of the Enemy's Ships and hath landed them on the Cape ー