Sir:

I rec'd your Excellency's letter of the 16th Inst., in which I am greatly reprehended for delivering over some prisoners to Col. Heritage. In justification of my conduct, I have sent to your Excellency a Copy of the order delivered to me in writing by Mr. Tisdale & Mr. Blanchard—which orders I thought it my duty to obey, as they are in the Commission of the Peace, as I always thought that gentlemen in that station knew their duty, whether they did or not. I never considered it as any part of my duty to superintend the conduct of those who are superior to me in office as well as knowledge; therefore I hope your Excellency will not look upon me as blameworthy, whereas I really thought from the