Sir,

Two men by the Names of Levi and Peter Darling, some Time Since Inlisted in Colonel Baileys Regiment in the Service of the United States of America, were sworn Passed muster & Received the Continental States and Towns Bounty and were Just ready to march when a midshipman from Providence who was in this Town Saw and Challenged them as belonging to the Navy having as He saies Entered on Board the Brigantine Ham[p]den in the month of Febry Last from which they Deserted and were afterwards turned over to the Ship Providence, They were on Saturday last Tryed by a General Court Martial Sentenced to be whiped for Inlisting a Second Time, to be returned to the Ship and a Stoppage of their Pay to be made to refund the late Bounty which they have received, The men declare that they Engaged for Six weeks, only on Board the Ship and that the Time was Expired before they Inlisted, as the midshipman has not a Copy of their Entery on Board the vessel and the men declare that they Engaged only for the Time before mentioned — Major General Heath Desires that you would Enquire of the Captain of the before mentioned Vessel, and Certify him as soop as Possible, of the Truth of facts alledged, and if it appears that they did enter on Board the Vessel and their Time of Engagement is not Expired, they will be Immediately Delivered up — I am Sir [&c.]

Colo Tillinghast Continental Agent at Providence.