Sir
Your agreeable favour to his Excellency, came last night to hand; It was very unlucky that the Captn of the ship threw his papers overboard, he deserves to be severely punished, if It is true, that this was done after he was made a prize of, in any other war than the present, he would suffer death for such an action; But we must show him & such as fall into our hands, that Americans are humane as well as brave, you will therefore Sir, treat the prisoners with all possible Tenderness: there are on board the Vessell from Antigua, Two Gentn, passengers, Mr John Burke & Mr Gregory, the former is strongly recommended to our good friends in Boston, tho not friendly to American Liberty; he still has the Character of a Gentleman, as such, it is the Generals orders that he be treated, the other was board a man of war, you will offer these Gentlemen a parole agreable to the Inclosed Sketch, which I suppose they will not object to ー If they should you must send them to Head Qutrs ー The Captns & Crews of both Vessels had best remain with you and if you see fit, they may remain on board their Vessels, untill further Orders, but dont run the least risque of their doing mischeif by so many, being together ー If any way ー apprehensive of them, Let them be sent to some Inland Town in your neighbourhood, recommended to the care of the Comittee of Safety who must provide them with necessaries for which they will be paid ー Should they be disposed of in this last way Get the Captains to sign paroles for themselves & their crews, a Copy of which you will Transmit to the Committee of Safety to whose care they are sent, & mention to the Committee that they be treated with Humanity, there are Limes, Lemons & Oranges on board, which being perishable, you must sell Immediately, the General will want some of each, as well as of the sweetmeats & pickles, that are on board; as his Lady will be here to day or to morrow you will please to pick up such things on board as you think will be acceptable to her & send them as soon as possible ー he does not mean to receive any thing without payment, which you will please to attend to ー
The General is informed that the prizes are crouded with people from shore as well as those belonging to the Armd Schooners ー It is his positive command that no person be Suffered to go on board any of them, the Officers & Agents excepted; That Embezzlements be particularly guarded against ー If any should happen the Agents will be blamed & held accountable, so that you see the necessity of being Strict in enforcing. this order, pray when are you to send the Porter &c We want it much ー I am &c