Sir

Capt [Thomas] Matthews was some time last Fall sent a prisoner by Lord Dunmore, in a Sloop from Norfolk bound to Boston, but on the passage was retaken by the Lee privateer, & carried into some part of New England,
² this Gentleman since his Return to Virginia told me that he had inform'd your Excellency that the Sloop in which he was retaken, had been partly the property of myself & Brother, but unjustly seiz'd by Capt [John] Collins,
³ & that you told him if I would prove the property you would Have her paid for, this I shall be able very amply to do! by some papers I expect from Virginia next Post. If your Excellency can find time from your more important Business, shall esteem it a favour if you will inform me whether it will be necessary for me to come to N.York myself or whether sending the papers will do your answer will much oblige Sir [&c.]

His Excellency General Washington at New York