Copy
To Mrs Pemble
No 92 Portland Street 

This Epistle my dear Mother must be as laconic and enigmatical as possible, that it may take up but little of the Inspector General's time at the Post Office and disappoint the impertinent Curiosity of every insolent Caitiff that may think proper to break my Seal.

I arrived here on Christmas Day after a Passage of ten tedious Weeks, and am now a Prisoner on board the Packet, detained by Lord William Campbell the Governor, and my Letters and Papers taken from me, and no reasons given ー How long I shall continue in this Situation I know not, but at present see no probability of my getting on Shore, as all Communication between the Town and Men of War has ceased, and Hostilities commenced ー I have been allowed to write to my Father, (my Letter subject to the inspection of the Governor) but have not yet received an Answer, therefore I cannot be perfectly satisfied of his Health & Safety ー these circumstances, you will conclude give me some Uneasiness ー they are so ー yet I often lose the Thoughts of the Prisoner in the Idea of the willing Captive ー 'Tis rather discouraging to a young Soldier to be made a Prisoner without being allowed to strike a Blow or even to declare War ー but I must meet with greater Difficulties before I despair of executing my Intentions I think you will not doubt me after my late Effort ー My Victory is not so great as I myself expected ー I still bear with me an Image engraven on my Heart which whatever may be my Fate, will descend with me to my Grave ー We know not the Value of our Friends but by their Loss.

If I should ever have an Opportunity of writing after I get on Shore, I most undoubtedly shall embrace it; if not, I must now entreat you to present me as I am and ever appeared unto my Friends, and particularly so ー present me to all and God bless you all ー this from Your dutiful. Son and most affectionate Friend

I have just received the Governor's permission to go on Shore ー and no reason given ー I have only time to say once more God be with you all, acquaint my particular Friends, and let it be my Excuse for not writing, commend one to ー

Adieu W.H.