Sir

I have received undoubted intelligence that an exchange for those of the British Navy, who are prisoners in America; is actually to take place — I have now been nineteen months a prisoner of war, and yet by the managers of this business have been unhappyly neglected — I am inform'd by Mrs Gordon, that to be unfortunate, is title sufficient to have an Interest with you Sir, & those civilities which I last year experienced at your hands, seem to justify her opinion — May I hope, Sir, that your influence will be used, to have my case fairly stated before the Hon: Council which I doubt not, will be sufficient to obtain for me that justice which is the extent of my wishes — I had the honor to live with you a fortnight at Watertown in Mr Hunts house, as I'm extreamly anxious to know if there is any chance of my being exchang'd — wou'd esteem it as a particular favor if you wou'd return an answer by the bearer — I have the honor to be Sir [&c.]

Dunstable Novr 29th, 1776

[Endorsed] In Council Chamber Boston December 3d 1776 —

Ordered that the within named John Doncanson be permitted to go to Hallifax in one of the Cartel Vessels now at Marblehead to be exchanged, or in exchange, for one of the subjects of this State, of the same station or character

John Avery Dpy Secy