Sir

M^r. Richard Backhouse came here last night on his Parole, to return in Twenty days unless exchanged for M^r: Ezek^l: Hopkins Jun^r. or M^r: Adam. W. Thaxter late Lieutenants onboard the Providence Sloop. In my Letter of the 22^d past, I proposed an exchange for M^r. Backhouse, which I think adequate to his rank;² I mentioned that I had wrote for the Lieutenants Hopkins and Thaxter, but am in doubt whether they will not be exchanged (before my requisition reaches Halifax) for the 1^st & 2^d Lieu^tts. of the Fox.³ I have sent the four men you desire in lieu of the four Prisoners from Massachusets Bay—and am [&c.]