Sir:
As I understand one of the Negroes brought from Nova Scotia by Captain Wheeler, named Dominick, is still in your Custody claimed by Mr. Abner Neale in behalf of Mr. Motte Ball, of Virginia; and altho' some proof hath been laid before me, I do not Judge it sufficient to direct a delivery of the Negro, but in order to give Mr. Ball a further opportunity of establishing his title, if such he has to the said Negro, I hereby require you to detain the Negro aforesaid in your Custody until you hear further from me on that subject, my former directions respecting the delivery of the Negroes to Mr. Wheeler to the Contrary notwithstanding.