Sir

Having received a permission from Lord Howe for an Exchange of Prisoners, I therefore take the Liberty to Inform you, I have on board His Majesty's Ships under my Command a Number of Prisoners: Vizt Masters of Merchant Ships, Mates and Private Seamen, who I am ready to exchange for British Subjects of the same Rank, Vizt Masters for Masters, Mates for Mates, and Seamen for Seamen; Knowing no other place as convenient for such Exchange as Block-Island, whenever you shall think proper to send over to that Island, any Persons of the said Ranks, and Qualities, I will return an equal Number, on the faith of an Officer to any Person deputed to receive the same, or to manage such Exchange.ー

To prevent a greater number being sent over, than I may have to return; I take the Liberty to Inform you I have at present two Masters, five Mates, and Twenty four [Seamen] I am Sir [&c.]