I duly received your favor of the 4th. and am much obliged to you for writing to L’Orient from whence I have not yet heard. It gives me much Concern that our great Folks here neglect their Business so much they did absolutely agree with me three months ago to send away the prisoners Immediately I have been    Nepean? the Under Secretary to Mr Townshend, every week since to fullfill the agreement, this week he has again solemnly assured me that as soon as a Ship can be provided they shall all go the No.      about 240 and he excuses himself for the delay by alledging Government have no Ships to spare for this Service. Not many days ago I was sent to from the Secretarys office to desire I would propose to you to exchange Lt. Col. Tarleton for two Captains of American Privateers. Tarleton, as I understand, was one of the Prisoners at York Town. I promised to mention it to you but at the Same Time observed that as they had hitherto absolutely refused to acknowledge any rank in Americans taken and brought into this Country, but treated all as common men, I did not see how they could expect it unless they would alter their own Conduct. You will however please to give your reply to this proposition as I strongly suspect              the Heir apparent has interposed at the request of a Beautifull Lady, whose favors are occasionally bestowed both on him and the Lt. Col. Mr Laurens is returned from Bath renouncing, as I understand, his design of returning to America and intruding I have reason to believe for Paris. I am sorry that the old affair does not go on better, there seems to be Cooks in Plenty. I fancy our great Man will tater le pou? du parlement avant que de determiner finalement. Most truly and sincerely I remain yours