Boston 9th of November 1776
Sir
I've received a Letter from Capt William Burke late commander of the Schooner Warren in the Service of the Continent 2 Dated Hillifax 8 Octor who was unfortunate in being taking by the Liverpool ship of War Capn Bellow who has treated him with great humanity. Burke desires me to acquaint your Excellency that he saild from thence in company with the flag of truce (which broug[ht] away his men who are arriv'd at this Port) for [New] York in Order tohe exchang'd for Capt Bellows Lieutenant who is a prisoner at Germantown near philidelphia by the name of Richd Bowger 3 its probable poor Burke is Arriv'd at [New] York ear this he is a worthy Brave man and deserves a better fate I have the honour to be [&c.]
1. John Bradford Letter Book, vol. 1, LC.
2. Burke was captured in Washington's schooner Warren. See Volume 6, 303-04.
3. Lieutenant Richard Boger, R. N., was captured in the tender Edward by the Continental brig Lexington, Captain John Barry. See Volume 4.