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Sir:

Enclosed I send your Excellency the Deposition of Capt. John Adams and others, brought to me by Major Dunbibin, who took them out of a Prize (taken by the Enemy & bound to St. Augustine) that was drove ashore about seven miles from this Town, there being no Gaol in that County I have ordered them on board the Brig of War (Washington) till your Excellency will please to communicate some further instructions respecting them, whether

being forced into the British service, they may be considered and treated as Prisoners of War, agreeable to Resolve of Congress, or otherwise may be permitted to enter on Board the Washington as subjects to the United States (of which they affect a great desire) on proviso they take the State oath agreeable to Law. In the cases above mentioned your Excellency will be able to judge by reading the depositions, and shall wait your instructions.

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