Sir

I sailed from Philadelphia in February last in a Brig bound to Charles Town South Carolina with a Compy of Artillery to reinforce that place, which Company I belonged to, on the 15th March last we was taken at Sea by the Syren Frigate² where I have been kept ever since my situation on board is really distressing my Cloathing entirely gone, and no hopes of getting a Supply the reason of my Application to you, is that I understand, Captn [Tobias] Furneaux has wrote to your Excellency for to Exchange Prisoners. Mr Thomas G[ur]n Master of the Brig that I was in, Mr Abm Coffin Master of a Brig lately taken, and myself would be glad to be Exchanged for any Prisoners in you'r Possession. I hope you'll be pleased to Consider our Situation we all have familys who must Certainly Suffer in our Absence. ー I am with respect Your Excellency's [&c.]

Syren Off Block Island October 30: 1776