Sirー

Thomas Vernon was some time since made prisoner on the evidence of one Craig; a copy of which I now enclose you, and 1 think was then examined by the Committee of Safety. The General desires me to transmit to you the enclosed letter from Vernon,
² and request that the Committee would make such further inquiry into the matter as will enable them to determine whether it be worth while to keep him any longer prisoner, or not. I am sir, [&c.]

[Enclosure]

Craig, lately a soldier in the first regiment of Yorkers, declared that he was employed by one Vernom, a hatter, of this city, to rig out a sloop, the said Vernon had lately purchased by order of Governor Tryon, to be employed by the Governor as a tender or cutter, and occasionally to cruise in the North and East rivers: that the said Vernom was to be supplied by the said Governor with swivels for the said sloop; and that the said Craig went on board with the said Vernom of the Dutchess of Gordon, and there conversed with the Governor and the Attorney-Generals Kemper and Skinner, who urged him to be active in procuring as many men as possible, not only for the said sloop, but for the Asia, and other men of war soon expected here; that about 50 or 60 soldiers now in town in the Continental service were engaged by the said Vernom for the service of the Ministry.

March 12, 1776