I had the Honour to address you the 9th. Instant since which Admiral Montigue has returned into port & taken the Command of the Squadron here.

I did myself the pleasure to wait on him a few days since & was very politely received. He express’d himself disposed to liberate all Americans that can be fairly proved as such. I have good reason to beleive he never will raise unnecessary obsticles. The great difficulty is to distinguish English & Americans. I plainly discover in him a disposition to be on good terms with all sides, therefore anticipate more Success in obtaining the liberation of American Seamen than heretofore.

While with the Admiral He produced a Case a true copy of which accompanys this. You will perceive it has been laid before the Kings Attorney General who has given his opinion. I am confident had any people belonging to the Schooner Orange been here they would have undergone an examination. The Schooner has been here & sailed for the North side of the Island & probably ’ere this, is arri⟨ved⟩ at Washington.

While with the Admiral He express’d a wish that I would examine William Hammond & if I was satisfy’d that He was native of the United States He was to be liberated. If not He was to be returned on board the Flag Ship. This I agreed to. He was yesterday sent to my office when I examined him, and am Satisfied He is a Native of the town of New port Rhoad Island & accordingly detained him & have put him on board the Ship Louisa Caleb Green Master bound for Baltimor⟨e⟩ who will amuse him for a few days after he arrives at Baltimore, to whom yo⟨u⟩ will please make application in the Even⟨t⟩ the president should think proper to inve⟨s⟩tigate the Case.

I trust before the year closes I shall hear from you on the Subject of a part of my letter of 11th. April last to the address of Mr. Marshall.

I have enclosed a list of a few Seamen that have been discharged from the Navy since my last & of others Imprest. I have the Honour to be with great Respect Your Most Ob H Ser