[Portsmouth] March 17th 1777
Sir
At the request of Collo Langdon (who is absent on Publick business) I am now to acknowledge the receipt of yours of 23d January, respecting the Brig Joseph Emperor Mosely Master ー belonging to your Friends Messrs Hughes & Smith being Captured by a Pirate. You may depend that every precaution will be taken to detect the Villain should he arrive in any Port this way, It is a great pitie his name (or the Vessels) could not be ascertained, as that would be comeing at the Point; however, I make no doubt but. he will be detected sooner or later, as such wretches seldom escape Justice. Ifhe should, it won't be for want of Vigilance; as it is really a matter of Infinite importance ー
Collo Langdon will write you more fully on this subject in his next ー In the interim I am Sir [&c.]
William Gardner
1. John Langdon Letter Book, Captain J. G. M. Stone Private Collection, Annapolis.