Sir

I am commanded by his Excellency to acknowledge the Receipt of your favor of the 3 Inst, givg an account of Captn Manly's taking the ship Concord from Glasgow with Goods for Boston ー His Excellency has no doubt, but as the Enemy are seizing & making prizes of our Vessels every day, that Reprizals should be made; But not thinking himself authorized to declare vessels taken, transporting Goods from English or British owners for their Agents here, lawful captures, he has thought it expedient to refer the matter to the determination of Congress, for which purpose an Express is to set out with every necessary letter & paper [that] were found on board Captain Laurie ー If the ship can be kept entirely Secure from the Enemy & Run into any place where there would be no risk of the Enemy getting her again, His Excellency would Advise the Cargoe to be kept on board, & an officer & guard to prevent an Embezzlement or loss ー If this cannot be done, she must be unladened & the goods secured till further Orders ー