Sir,

I am very sorry, that a flag has been fired upon, by one of your sentries;...pray send off a flag immediately, by a discreet officer, with a proper letter to the commanding officer of the British fleet, acquainting him, that this act was committed by mistake, and contrary to orders, and that a messenger shall be properly received, and that I have given this direction, the moment I was apprized of the fact: But, take care, to prevent a repetition of such conduct in the sentries; at the same time, do not suffer any, under the appearance of a flag, to make discoveries of what the enemy ought not to know. Yours in haste