Sr

Messrs Jackson Tracy & Tracy Merchts of Newburyp[ort] are very solicitous to procure a Release of the Officers & Men of their late Privateer (Yankee Hero) which was taken after a brave & manly Resistance, by the Milford Frigate they are now in the hands of our Enemies We take leave to recommend their Case to yr Excell[en]cys consideration, not doubting but you will attend to any Application made to you on their behalf by the Gentlemen above named and afford every reasonable Assistance to accomplish their benevolent purpose; and if they shod be happy enough to effect it, it willgive us a particular pleasure, as those Men by their past Conduct merit our regard & shod they be obtaind may be greatly serviceable in the American Navy ー

We cannot neglect this opportunity of recommending to your Exce[llenc]ys particular consideration the case of Mr James Lovell, who suffer'd a long & severe imprisonment in Boston & was carried off in the Fleet to Halifax, where he has remain'd a close prisoner ever since. His enemies have not been able to fix any crime upon him & when he has repeatedly desired to be brought to a trial, they have always declined it. We are very desirous to procure his liberation & if there is a possibility of effecting it, should esteem it a favor if your Exc[ellenc]y would give in exchange for him any person you may think proper.

[Contemporarily endorsed] This draft was accepted July 18, 1776, and orderd to be signd & sent to Genl Washington