Sir

I think it proper you should be Informed that the Enemy at Cape Cod Harbour are driveing a very Curious Stroke¹ we have Intelligence here which I suppose is Authentic that many of our Vessels from the Southern States, & the West Indies are daily taken & Carried in there. whether this is done by those that come under the pretension of a Flagg or by others, I am not able to say, nor do I think it very material, while they remain there under that Situation. surely it should not be made A rendesvous for Cruising Ships, & our Vessels by our Confidence in their professions, be Betrayed into Captivity. English Honour must be a subject of Burlesque, in future, Punic or Gallic Faith so long the subject of ridicule in Ancient & Modern History must drop into Oblivion, & give place to the more ridiculous Idea of English Honour & Virtue The Question may be how we can help ourselves. it may be A Question difficult to Answer, but if you have Gen^l. Burgoyn still in your power, I Beg leave to Suggest it as my opinion that the Laws of God of Nature & Nations, as well as sound policy, would Justify his being detained till every Vessel taken is discharged with her Cargo.² The Subject Appears to me Important. you will therefore Excuse this Trouble, from your Friend and very Humb^l. Serv^t