Sir:

On receipt of your Excellency's letter, which I was favored with some time ago, respecting Col. Jarvis's conduct towards the Capt. and Crew of the Tartar, I sent an express immediately to him (who lives upwards of 200 miles from me) to learn the particulars of that affair. His answer, with sundry affidavits and other papers relating to the same, are herewith enclosed, and I hope will be sufficient to set that matter in a proper point of view. Col. Jarvis was wrong in sending the prisoners out of the State without applying to me. But, as he did so, it is now too late for me to attempt to take any steps further relating to them, as they are without my powers.

Your Excellency will be pleased to do with them as you shall judge proper, and believe me to be, with very great regard and esteem,