Providence, May 16. 1777.
Sir
You being intrusted with the Care of a Cartel, to go to Newport, are to proceed there assoon as possible. You will deliver to the Order of Sir Peter Parker the two Midshipmen and Seamen put on Board the Cartel, taking a Receipt for them.
You will receive such Prisoners as Sir Peter shall send on Board your Vessel, and such Women and Children as Lord Percy shall permit to come off.2
You are to take Care to preserve the Character of the Flag, by avoiding every Act inconsistent with the constant Usage in such Cases, and the strictest Honour. I am Sir [&c.]
Majr James Tew
1. Letters from the Governor, vol. 2, R.I. Arch.
2. By this cartel Governor Cooke had written the same day to Major General Richard Prescott stating: "Application having been made to me by many Persons for Leave for their Friends at Rhode Island to come off, I inclose you a List of their Names, and as I have given Permission to every Lady who hath applied to me for Leave to go to Rhode Island, I have no Doubt of your permitting them to come," Letters from the Governor, vol. 2, R.I. Arch.
