Sir

The bearer Capt Samuel Jackson comes with six pr[i]soners, a Midshipman & five Sailors put by Capt [George] Talbot of the Niger Frigate on board the Brigantne Peter, which Brigtn was taken by sd Frigate about 18 days ago, near the Island of Barmudas and orderd into Boston ー This Brigantine was Retaken last Wednesday [December 20] by our people, and was bra't into this Port. ー Capt Jackson the Bearer of this will acquaint your Excellency with the particulars, as he had a principal hand in retakeing her ー This Mr Jackson is a Zealous, Active, Worthy Friend to his Country, and has been principal in takeing all the prizes which have been brought into this Port by private Vessels ー Jacob Taylor a friend & relative of this Mr Jackson was mate on board Capt Martindale who was taken by the Enemy some time since (for which I am sincer[e]ly sorry) has a Large Family & in poor circumstances which must suffer much unless some way can be devised for his Redemption ー I am very unwilling to give your Excellency Trouble, and must ask your pardon, when I at the very earnest request of Taylors Friends & unhappy Family, ask your Excelly whether it an't possible to exchange Mr Curtis the Midshipman for Taylor, and when I entreat your Excellency to interpose in behalf of this miserable Family & of an unhappy man, who has conducted with Dignity, & has been very active in the noble cause in which we are engaged, from the begining ー I am your Excellencys much obliged [&c.]