[Extract]

On the 22d of Augst a Brigantine belonging to Dr Campbell of Virga which had been detained by Lord Dunmore for several Months & was dismissed by him on his leaving Virginia (with a number of other Vessels) was taken in sight of this Island by Capt: Biddel [Nicholas Biddle] of the Continental Brigantine Andrew Doria. Lord Dunmore on dismissing the Brig having given her a Pass to avoid being taken by the British Vessels of War Capt: Biddle considered her as a prize ー but not thinking the vessel worth sending to the Continent to be condemned took off a considerable Quantity of household furniture & other Effects which had been put on board by the Dr's Clerk when Norfolk was burnt (the Dr himself then being at Wmsburg) agreeably to the enclosed Account ー the Saylors with a Wantoness which those people are generally apt to exercise on such Occasions destroyed many other Pieces of furniture such as Desks, Dressing Tables, Chests of Drawers &ca which are not inserted in this Account, and then dismissed the Brig ー³

The Character which Dr Campbell supported in Virga and the Conduct which in the present disputes between Great Britain & America he has uniformly observed I flatter myself will justify me in observing that he has ever demonstrated himself to be the friend of that Country where he has resided for many Years with universal Esteem ー The Convention of Virginia were sensible of this and acquitted him honourably of the charge which was brought agt him...

After this summary state of Facts, I presume you will be of Opinion that the Dr's Property was by no means to be considered as subject to continental Confiscation, since he cou'd be considered in no other point of view but as a friend to America. This Loss added to his former, in the Destruction of Norfolk, to the Amt of above £10,000 falls extreemly heavy on a Man whose Misfortunes were unmeritted as inevitable ー Permit me then, sir, to sollicit your friendly Interposition in his Behalf in Congress in order to procure such a Compensation for his Loss as that honourable Body shall think reasonable upon Consideration of the Circumstances of his Case....