Gentlemen.

I am inform'd that two of the Prisoners Late belonging to the Fox which I forwarded her by Land from Wichcassett last week have been Negligently left behind in this place. —

I cannot help Expressing my astonishment on this Occasion at the conduct of those Gentlemen who had the care of the Prisoners —

Were our poor Countrymen who unfortunately fall into the hands of the Enemy no better guarded or let run at loose in this manner we might entertain some hopes of their being able to find their way once more to their own home — but alas the contrary is too well known, many of them have been constrain'd to take arms again'st their Country, all who refuse so to do have been close confin'd and treated with such cruelty as would Shock the heart of a Barbarian untill they can be redeem'd by Exchange, suffer they must, is it not then great cruelty inus to Neglect redeeming our own people knowing full well what hard measure they have while in the hands of the foe, what mistaken pitty that is which only extends to our Enemys when they fall into our hands, and neglects our own people who meet such cruel Treatment among them, — This is but poor encouragement for Men to enter into the Service of their Country who tho they may take and convey home Prisoners enough to redeem themselves in case of their being taken, yet have only this Melancholy reflection for their Comfort, Namely That their indolent, faithless Countrymen, suffer such to Slip through their fingers, while they poor Souls are sure to perish in a Prison unless they be redeem'd —

I therefore call on you Gentlemen as the Active guardians of your Country and your brethren in Captivity, requesting that you would cause those Prisoners to be apprehended and deliver'd again into my Care, or sent under a proper Guard to Boston — I am Gentlemen [&c.]