We have the Honor to Inform You we arived at this place on the first Instant, & found the whole settlement in motion, on acc’t of Col. Pickerings being carried off a few days before, by a Bandity here called Halfshear men or wild Boys, a Detachment of the Militia accompanied the Sheriff up the river, & several small parties were sent on in Quest of the Insurgents, on the 3d, a few random shotts ware fired across the river, & on the 4th, the Detachments Commanded by Cap’t Ross, consisting of 18 men, who had six suspected persons under his Caire, fell in with the Insurgents in number 13, the letter we are Informed had several wounded & ware Obliged to retire, Cap’t Ross was wounded, but it is Expected not Mortal. Nothing has happened since. Mrs. Pickering rec’d a letter from the Col., Dated the 3d Inst., Informing hir that he is well & that his Keepers Expected to Exchange him for Franklin, which Idea he Treats with contempt, aledging the State would act Consisting to there Dignity. We Rec’d a hint that a partie is raising secretly, who are to take the woods in Quest of him. The Bearer waits at the dore, You will excuse hast.

We remain with much Esteem Your Honors most Obedient & very Humble Servants,