Sir:

After my humble respects to you, I am very sorry of the misfortune you met with, as I was informed, by the master of your tender, that you had very much hurt one of your eyes, which I took this opportunity to let you know that I am still a good friend to Government, and to let you know, by writing, that I never have been actor in any things against Government, and have never taken up any carnal weapons against the King's troops, but have suffered so as to have my gun taken from me, because I have bore my testimony against the measures that the America have taken to get their liberties, as they say they do; and, as I will not take up arms against the King's troops, and to rightly bear the title of a Rebel against my King, I have been threatened of being shot by those that is greatly against Government, yet I never intend to take up aims (through Divine assistance, although I may lose my life,) against my King, knowing he has undoubted right to be a terror to evil-doers, and I hope he will be a praise to them that do right.

Captain Ayscough, I shall take it a great favour, and should be humbly obliged to you, if you would inform the Governour and Admiral of me, as it is not a thing impossible for me (by land) to get a letter to Boston, or to come myself, to let them know my mind, without risking my life, and wife and children's lives, and to lose all my estate; and, as you took me and my schooner, about two or three months ago, as I was going into Nantucket, and did use me with great civility, and I did then let you know my mind about the forces, and you did take my name down, and where I lived, which now makes me to take the boldness to trouble you with these few lines, desiring you would oblige me so much as to do all you can for me in these evil times, that if it should please the King's Majesty to show any mercy to any innocent persons, that I might share part with such, as a true King's subject, so that I might save my life and estate, if the King should conquer the America. And I would, also, inform you that I have got a brother, and a cousin, whose name is Daniel Lovell and Christopher Lovell, which, both of them, are good friends to Government, which did desire me, that if I had a chance, to inform some of the King's officers of them.

And now, pray, sir, don't let any body that is of the America party to know that I ever sent a letter to you, or that I ever desired you to return my name to the Governour, by no means, if you have any regard to my life; and you will, in keeping it private, greatly oblige me [&c.]

P.S. Pray, sir, be pleased to accept a few vegetables, to be delivered to you by Doctor Gelston, a bold and staunch friend to Government and me. S. Lovell.