Sir

I received your letter, am sorry to find you cou'd not comply with my request. You say the Congress never tenderd a Parole to any Officer that was inconsistant with his Duty and Circumstances to sign. The Parole tendered to Mr [George] Ball and my self came from the Committee of Safety, a Copy of which I wou'd have sent you, but the officer took it back with him; but belive me Sir no officer cou'd sign it with propriety. Mr Ball and my self will esteam it a Singular favour if Mr Morris will interced and send us a Parole that we can sign as officers in His Majestys Navy. We offer'd to sign the Parole given by the officers now Prisoners at York but was refus'd it. I thought it very hard as we was to reside with them, A Copy of which I beg leave to inclose to you; likewise a letter for Lord Howe I hope you will send it to him. I apply'd to this Committee for leave to walk on the Common now and then to repair my health having had a touch of the Gout ー but was refus'd that small favour. I am Sir [&c.]

To Robt Morris Esqr in Congress