Sir

I am commanded by his Excellency to inform you that it is, his opinion, that those persons who belong to the Two Schooners sent into Marblehead² be discharg'd on Condition they can get Bondsmen for their not leaving Marblehead & such a district about it as to you will seem proper, lest they give information to the enemy of the destination of Captns Broughton & Selman ー these persons to be well lookt after ー As to the Schooners you will have them carefully laid up, with what unperishable articles may be on board. As to the sloop brought in by Capn Manly,³ It is the Generals orders; that you dispose of the wood &c on board on the best terms & lay the Vessell up, untill we can determine whether she is totally a prize or only a retaken Vessell  I am Sir [&c.]