Being informed by Colo. Humphry, as well as by your Letter to me, that you have been induced to accept, for the present, the superintendence of the Embarkation from N. York of the Tories and Refugees who are leaving the Country, and to prevent if possible, their carrying off any Negroes or other property of the Inhabitants of the United States; and having seen Sir Guy Carletons Orders on this Head—I take the Liberty of enclosing to you a List and description of Negroes which has been sent me from Govr Harrison of Virginia—and to beg that you will improve the Opportunity you will have, of obtaing and securing them agreeable to the Govrs Request, if they are to be found in the City—Your Endeavours will not only be very obliging to the Governor, but will be thankfully acknowleged by me.

Some of my own Slaves, and those of Mr Lund Washington who lives at my House may probably be in N. York: but I am unable to give you their Descriptions—their Names, being so easily changed will be fruitless to give you—If by chance you should come at the knowlege of any of them, I will be much obliged by your securing them, so that I may obtain them again.

This Business which you have undertaken, altho troublesome to yourself, and as I immagine, very difficult in its Execution; yet, as I am persuaded you have accepted it from the best motives, will I hope, be of utility to the Subjects of the United States, and therefore cannot, I think, involve any impropriety of Conduct in your being concerned, untill Measures are adopted by Congress, for the Appointment of persons for this purpose.With much regard I am sir Your most Obedt Servant