I am favord with your Excellencys Letter of the 7th of this Month.

I Should be very happy in using every endeavour in my power to procure the release of Mr Reading and would apply to Sir Guy Carleton in his behalf if such an application was like to be attended with the desired effect but Sir Guy’s Command does not extend to Canada—on which the Posts in the back Country are dependant—General Haldimand is the proper person to be applied to on this occasion and with him I have no communication—I never wrote him but one Letter which he did not answer—As Mr Reading is not a Military Man there will be no impropriety in your Excellency’s applying in his behalf and if you are of this opinion I will endeavour to transmit your Letter.

If however you think that an application from me will be best I will write General Haldimand on the Subject—and in either case I will seek an Opportunity to convey the Letter to him which at this season will I fear be something difficult; the only public communication between this Country and Canada has been by means of the Enemies Vessells Station’d in the Lakes which must now be frozen over. With &c. &c.