Gentlemen

On my Arrival at this place I did apply to the Committee for a guard to conduct Sixteen Prisoners (late of the Fox Frigate) to Boston they set out from hence last Thursday but I am perswaded this will be with you before them — As I have three Lieutenants and fifty three Men onboard The Fox who I fear is taken to Halifax I beg as a particular favourthatTheOfficers of the Fox may not be disposed of otherwise then to redeemmine,

I think we have the first right & shall expect that they be kept safe untill my Arrival — notwithstanding the expence of sending them so far by Land,

I am perswaded my reasons for setting them on shore will be Satisfactory. Your [&c.] 

Ship Boston at Wichcassett July 21st 1777

[Enclosure]

The above is a List of the Prisoners dispatch'd from Wichcassett July 17th 1777