Gentlemenー

When captain Biddle, of the Congress armed vessel the Andrea Doria, on the 29th May last took the Oxford transport, on board of which was a company of His Britannic Majesty's 42d regiment of foot, Capt. Biddle upon taking the officers out of the Oxford, only allowed them to take their bedding and a few shirts with them, and told them that by orders of the Continental Congress, all that was the private property of the prisoners that were taken would be allowed them, and that he would return the officers their swords upon coming on shore.

My reason for troubling you with this, gentlemen, is, as you mentioned, that when any prisoners had any business of any kind they were to apply to you. Now I and the rest oE the officers of my company, who were taken on board the Oxford, will be glad to be informed whether or not we will be allowed our baggage, and what was our private property that was on board when we were taken. All my clothes and other baggage, and about 60 guineas in cash were on board; as likewise Lieut. Franklin, who is prisoner with me here, and Lieut. Morrow and Ensign Campbell, whom Captain Biddle carried to Rhode-Island with him. Captain Biddle gave command of the Oxford to one of his lieutenants, a Mr. [John] McDougal and a Mr. Tribbet [John Trevett]. I should be very much obliged to you, gentlemen, if you will be so kind as let me have an answer to this as soon as it is convenient. I am, with respect, gentlemen [&c.]