State of Massachusetts Bay

Council Chamber [Boston] Feby 28t 1777

I Edward Southouse being on a Passage from London to Quebec was made Prisoner by the Ship Alfred, John Jones Commander and brought into Boston — 

And whereas the Council have at my Request permitted me together with my Family to depart from this State to Halifax in the Cartel Vessel now at Marblehead giving my Parole and engageing to do all in my Power to procure the Liberation of two [illegible] Persons detained as Prisoners either at Halifax New York or Quebec of equal Rank with myself & male servant belonging to this State or return personally with my Servant within the Term of twelve Months from the above Date — And that I will not directly or indirectly give any Intelligence whatever to the Enemies of the united States, or do or say any thing in Opposition to or in Prejudice of the Measures & proceedings of any Congress or Assemblies for the Said States during the present Troubles, or until I am duly exchanged

Signed in Presence of Jn^o Avery