... The next m[orning] by break of day we marched for the town of Nassau, where the G[overnor l]ived, which was 4 miles from the fort. we arrived within [a mile,] wh[en] we halted about one hour, and had a parley, when the [gate] of the Capital fort, Nassau, was opend, and the British col[ors] hauled down, and we took possession. The Commodore and [our vessels lay] back of Hog Island, but in about 2 hours after, they came in[to] the harbour, and as the Commodore was landing, we saw Governor [Montfort Browne] and his council walking his Piazza, and his servants waiting bel[ow with hor]ses. Capt. Hen[r]y Dayton, who command[ed] the other company, and myself, Asked Major Nichols [Samuel Nicholas] liberty [to go an]d take him. The Major informed us he had no orders from the [Commodore to] take him, but we may do as we pleased. Capt. Henry Day[ton] and a young officer from Philadelphia and myself went to the [Governor's ho]use and informed him he must go with us to the fort, he sai[d in] reply that it was beneath his dignity, as Governor, to go to the f[ort.] We made him this reply that he must go, then he says it must [be by] the force of arms, We told him it was by the force of arms! In a short time Com. Hopkins and the Captains of the fleet landed and came to the fort. After some time spe[nt,] the Commodore sent for me, and gave me orders to take as many men as would be sufficient, and keep the Governor prisoner in his own house....