An opportunity haveing been afforded of sending letters, I shall avail myself of the chance and write to you. Long before this, I presume you will have been apprised of my situation. We are all (seven of us) confined in one cell – size, 11 by 17. Our mess is made up of Cole, Cogswell and Wood of New York ; Col. Lee and Major Revere of the Massachusetts 20th ; Capt. Keffer of Philadelphia ; and Capt. Rockwood and myself of the Massachusetts 15th. We were transferred from the tobacco warehouse (where we had been confined since the battle of Leesburg) a fortnight ago.

Standing as we do, hostages for those privateers in New York, we are treated the same as persons charged with crime. What will be the result of all this I do not know. I trust that all will yet be well, but
If we are marked to die we are enough
To do our country loss ; and if to give
The fewer men, the greater share of honor.

I am fully confident that our good people will do all within their power, and in my believing shall patiently await the issue.
Remember me kindly to all, and believe me truly yours,