Sir

A Vessel will be freighted by [John Mansfield] of Newport with Fuel and Victual, and will purposely throw herself in the Way of some of your Ships to be seized. And it will be necessary, to preserve the Master from the Resentment of his Countrymen on his Return, to put on the Appearance of compelling him to come to Boston; but it will be proper also to take out some of the People and send yours instead, as the Crew may not be depended on. I am &c