My Lord I am now a close Prisoner on board the Alfred Frigate belonging to the Americans and prudence in my present distressed situation will not allow me to say more at present, then that I have been tore away from my family at a moment's notice, ー I refer your Lordship to Mrs. Browne and to Mr. Chief Justice [Thomas] Atwood for the particulars of what has happen'd to this Colony, my person as well as his Majesty's Garrisons and Stores (Powder only excepted) has been shamefully betrayed to the Enemy;
I have requested the Chief Justice and Mrs. Browne to forward without loss of time the minutes of Council, etc. to your Lordship; I write in the greatest haste and dread that these few lines may be intercepted, as I have innumerable Senterys over me.
I am My Lord Your Lordship's [&c.]
From on Board the Alfred frigate March 17, 1776 }
P.S. I have been cruelly treated by a few here. I have saved his Majesty's Powder by sending it at the nick of time to St. Augustine [Endorsed] R. 15th June