Sir

Capt James Holiday master of the Brig Necessity which you have in your possession it appears by the papers is Burmuda property and that she was bound to Falmouth and laid off the Harbour several days in hopes to be carried into Port. As he had given bonds at Burmuda to land his Cargo at a British Port the like Scheme was pursued last year by the same Vessell when she was Carried into Newbury, and not even Libelled, therefore the property being Burmuda you know their is an Express Resolve of Congress which protects their property, you can make no plea of your finding Halifax papers on Board, because the Brig was taken off Falmouth by the Ambuscade & forced into Hallifax, it is my instructions and orders to you imediately on the Rect of this to deliver to Capt Holliday his Brig wth all her appurte­nances & provisions as you may rely on it that the Honble Congress will not Countenance any of their servants in making havoc of the property of their Friends. Your extraordinary Conduct I am Obliged to Lay before that August body.² Yours