Gentlemen

I take the liberty to Sollicit your Honours. For my Exchange with four Men belonging to the Juno Frigate. I am Masters mate on board the above Frigate and was lately brought into this place in a Manner I presume well known to your Honours.² Therefore if you will please to Include me and my four men in the present Exchange. you will lay me under particular Obligations to your Honours — I Remain your Honours [&c.]

P.S. I am quite destitute of any money for my Support
[Endorsed] In Couricil Novr 20th [sic 21st] 1776 Read & Ordered that the Prayer of the Above Petiton be granted and that the Petitioner have and he hereby have Liberty with the 4 Prisoners to be exchanged agreeable to his Request

John Avery Dpy Secy