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Sir, I understand that you have detained on board your Ship Ensign Edward Tyley, on suspicion of his being aiding and assisting in burning the Barge belonging to the Asia, on or about the 12th of July last. It was an unhappy piece of business and much against my mind. But upon hearing the particulars I doubt not you will be convinced that Mr Tyley not only had no hand in it, but exerted his utmost efforts to prevent it. At that time I had a quantity of Provisions in a Store on that Slip, where there was a small guard, kept under the care of Ensign Tyley. The Sloop which brought the Provisions lay at that place, the Master of which seeing the Barge come in there, suspected they had a design against him, and with the advice of a number of People who had collected, was determined to take the Barge with the men in her. I understood in the time of it, both from Ensign Tyley and the Bargemen that Tyley did every thing in his power to prevent it, but finding it impossible to withstand the torrent, he escorted the men to me Upon hearing of this affair from him, and the Bargemen (who among other things told me that they did not know but they should have lost their lives had it not been for EnsignTyley [)], I ordered Ensign Tyley with a large party to conduct the men back, to put the Barge into the Water and to see every thing that belonged to her was returned, for what happened afterwards I must refer to you the inclosed Affidavits,² and when you have duly considered of the affair with all its circumstances ー I flatter myself that from your wonted candour and generosity, you will liberate Mr Tyley and you will much oblige [&c.]