Sir,

Genl. Rutherford sent the Prisoners who were on their parol at Salisbury to Capt. Dickinson who was ordered by the late Congress to carry them to the Northward, and had power to draw on the Treasury for a sum of money for that purpose. Capt. Dickinson being out of the way, his Lt., Abraham Childers brought them here and delivered them to me. I have confined them on their parol to Halifax and two miles around it on the south side of Roanoke till I could have your directions what to do. They are some of the Royal Highland Emigrants commanded by Capt. Dun McNicol making twelve in all, also James Hepburn and Joseph Hughs. I could wish to remove them from this place, having scoundrels enough of our own—and to mend the matter they say they have no money, and expect to be supplied by the State. I have prohibited them from speaking disrepectfully of this or any other of the United States, or their proceedings, or depreciating our Currencies, and if I catch them transgressing, you may rely on it I shall send them to prison unless otherwise ordered. I shall wait for your directions and am with real respect your Excelly's mo. ob, Serv't.